Please apply BEFORE the Christmas holidays to start in the September of the next school year.
Like most schools, st Joseph's accepts applications for September enrollment during October, November and December of the previous year. Further information can be found on the school website: www.stjosephspschool.com or by contacting school principal Sarah McGinley email: [email protected]
St Joseph's special school
A Modern Multi-denominational school located in Galway City catering for children with a moderate general learning disability who live in Co Galway.
Its one of the largest special schools in the country yet maintains the same small family feeling its held since it was established in 1964.
St Joseph's have a very dedicated staff of about 100 including teachers , SNAs, bus escorts and ancillary staff who take great care to have a warm welcoming child-centered school environment promoting teaching and learning.
The school follows the same curriculum as a mainstream school, tailored to be accessible to the pupils attending.
We boast a strong connection with GAP and our neighbours in NUIG and the Jes as well as keeping close links with downsyndrome Ireland Galway branch.
We work in partnership with the 7 CDNT teams in co Galway to meet the needs of our pupils.
For further information regarding local availability of school places and school options open to all children with additional needs including a specialist school placement / special class / ASD class etc. contacting a special educational needs officer (SENO) through the NCSE is the most appropriate route. Your local CDNT can also guide you.
To enroll at one of the four special schools under the patronage of Ability West, a recent psychological assessment and specific recommendation for a special school placement by the childs CDNT is essential.
Children can enroll from age 5 to age 17. Children graduate from special school the June after their 18th birthday.
Please note, unlike at other special schools or special classes in the city, the respite services for any pupils enrolled at St Joseph's is provided through Ability West and not the local CDNT.
Other services like Psychology, Behaviour support, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and OT are organised by the childs CDNT, and notability West.
A Modern Multi-denominational school located in Galway City catering for children with a moderate general learning disability who live in Co Galway.
Its one of the largest special schools in the country yet maintains the same small family feeling its held since it was established in 1964.
St Joseph's have a very dedicated staff of about 100 including teachers , SNAs, bus escorts and ancillary staff who take great care to have a warm welcoming child-centered school environment promoting teaching and learning.
The school follows the same curriculum as a mainstream school, tailored to be accessible to the pupils attending.
We boast a strong connection with GAP and our neighbours in NUIG and the Jes as well as keeping close links with downsyndrome Ireland Galway branch.
We work in partnership with the 7 CDNT teams in co Galway to meet the needs of our pupils.
For further information regarding local availability of school places and school options open to all children with additional needs including a specialist school placement / special class / ASD class etc. contacting a special educational needs officer (SENO) through the NCSE is the most appropriate route. Your local CDNT can also guide you.
To enroll at one of the four special schools under the patronage of Ability West, a recent psychological assessment and specific recommendation for a special school placement by the childs CDNT is essential.
Children can enroll from age 5 to age 17. Children graduate from special school the June after their 18th birthday.
Please note, unlike at other special schools or special classes in the city, the respite services for any pupils enrolled at St Joseph's is provided through Ability West and not the local CDNT.
Other services like Psychology, Behaviour support, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and OT are organised by the childs CDNT, and notability West.
We have 4 spaces in the school
For September 2025
Admissions Notice for school year 2025-26: Coming SOON
| admissions-notice_2025-26.docx |
Application Form
| st_josephs_special_school_enrolment_application_form_2024.docx |
Who can apply?
We accept applications for children aged 4.5 to 17 with a diagnosis of a moderate general learning disability with a report from a psychologist specifically recommending a special school placement.
Enrolment at St. Josephs follows the steps as laid out in our policy
Admissions Policy
| admissions_policy_2020.docx |
|School Roll Number 19047H
| Phone: 091521895 |
| Web: www.stjosephspschool.com |
| School email [email protected] |
| Registered Charity No. 20140182 |
| Phone: 091521895 |
| Web: www.stjosephspschool.com |
| School email [email protected] |
| Registered Charity No. 20140182 |
