Special education finder

Looking for a special class or a special school place? Enter your Eircode to see every school with provision near you, ranked by distance — plus how the application pathway works.

1,987 mainstream schools run at least one special class, and 150 special schools operate across Ireland.

Start with where you live

Your Eircode never leaves your device — it is matched to an area locally in your browser.

Provision by county

Or browse every county’s schools — enter an Eircode above for distance-sorted results.

Source: NCSE 2026/2027 allocations · special class counts are sanctioned classes, not free places. NCSE special classes

Special education FAQs

How do I get a place in a special class or autism (ASD) class?
Contact your local SENO (NCSE) for advice, then apply directly to schools that run a special class — applications for the following September open from 1 October. Use the finder above to see every school with a special class near you, and apply to several.
What is the difference between a special class and a special school?
A special class is a smaller class (often an ASD class) inside a mainstream school, with a higher staff ratio. A special school is entirely dedicated to pupils with special educational needs. Ireland has around 150 special schools and thousands of special classes in mainstream schools.
What if there is no place available for my child?
The State must provide an appropriate school place. If none is available locally, put it in writing to your SENO — the NCSE can seek new classes in your area, and the Minister can direct a school to open one. Keep records of every application and refusal.
Special Education Finder — Scoil Scout