Getting my Child into Post-Primary School

How many post-primary schools are there?
Where can I get information on schools in my area?
How do I enrol my child in school?
The school will not enrol my child - can I appeal the decision?
What can I do if I have difficulty getting a school place for my child?
What is whole-school evaluation?
Are parents involved in whole-school evaluation?
Are students involved in whole-school evaluation?
What is the difference between a subject inspection and whole-school evaluation?
Where can I find school inspection reports?

How many post-primary schools are there?

There are more than 730 post-primary schools. About 40% of these are single sex schools and teach boys and girls separately. The other 60% teach boys and girls together.

Post-primary schools are also known as second-level schools. There are three types: secondary schools, community and comprehensive schools and vocational schools. The differences are mainly due to the management structure of the schools. All schools follow a set curriculum for junior and senior cycle. 

Where can I get information on schools in my area?

Information on schools in your area is available from the list of post-primary schools. You can also get information from the Regional Office Service of the Department of Education and Science. See list of Regional Offices here.

See also: Where can I find school inspection reports?

How do I enrol my child in school?

You can send your child to the post-primary school of your choice as long as there is a place available. To enrol your child, first check the list of post-primary schools in your area. Contact the school of your choice to see if a place is available. If the school is full, it may not be able to enrol your child. The school may place your child on a waiting list or suggest another school in the area.

If it does not have enough places, the school will give priority according to its admissions policy. For example, it may give priority to children from the local area or children from a particular primary school. The admissions policy is decided by the board of management of the school. The school can give you a copy if you ask for it. 

The school will not enrol my child - can I appeal the decision?

If the school refuses to enrol your child, you have a right to appeal that decision to the Department of Education and Science. The school should tell you about your right to appeal. You can find guidelines on appeals here. You can also contact the Appeals Administration Unit in the Department of Education and Science:

        Section 29 Appeals Administration Unit
        c/o Department of Education and Science
        Cornamaddy
        Athlone
        Co. Westmeath

        Tel: 090 648 3600

See also: What can I do if I have difficulty getting a school place for my child?

What can I do if I have difficulty getting a school place for my child?

You should contact the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) at:
        NEWB
        16-22 Green Street
        Dublin 1

You can also visit www.newb.ie or you can contact them by telephone:

        Educational Helpline  1890 36 36 66
        Head Office                  01 873 8700
        Dublin City                    01 873 8600
        Leinster North              01 873 8600
        Leinster South             01 463 5516
        Munster                         021 453 6314
        West / North West       091 385 302

See also: What is the National Educational Welfare Board?

What is whole-school evaluation?

Whole-school evaluation (WSE) is how we inspect the work of a school. A team of inspectors meets with members of the school community to discuss their work, their role and their vision for the school. The inspectors observe teaching and learning in the classroom and examine students' work.

The role of the inspectors is to give advice and support to the school. In particular, they measure how well the school is doing on: 

• management and planning;
• teaching and learning; and
• support for students.

You can find a detailed guide to whole-school evaluation here. 

Are parents involved in whole-school evaluation?

Yes, the inspectors meet representatives of parents to discuss how parents are involved in the life of the school. You can find specific information for parents on whole-school evaluation here.

Are students involved in whole-school evaluation?

Yes, the inspectors interact with students in classrooms and learning areas. They also meet with students and members of the students' council.

What is the difference between a subject inspection and whole-school evaluation?

A subject inspection looks at teaching and learning in a specific subject. A whole-school evaluation looks at the overall work of a school including teaching and learning in a number of subjects.

Where can I find school inspection reports?

We publish school inspection reports carried out after 6 February 2006 on our website. You can search for these using the search facility on the website.