Wexford to Get New Special Classes in Education Boost

Minister James Browne, working with Fianna Fáil Minster of State for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, has today announced the sanctioning of new special classes and an additional inclusive special classes for the 2026/2027 school year for Wexford, further expanding provision for children and young people with special educational needs in the county in a much called for intervention.

Confirming the sanctioning of classes this afternoon, Minister Browne said:

“Every child in Wexford should have the opportunity to access the education that best meets their evolving and often changing needs. I worked with Minister Moynihan to push for the expansion of special classes for the county as well as ensuring Wexford was included in the introduction of what is called an ‘inclusive special class’ model. 

“Fantastic to see St John of God primary school, Curracloe NS, Rathnure NS and Coláiste Éamonn Rís (also known as Wexford CBS) see class allocations confirmed today.”

“We have to strengthen our ability to support students in their local communities while also responding to increasing demand. The focus remains on early planning, sustained investment, and delivering real, practical supports for families and schools across the country. But I know we have to do far better for our young people who may have additional requirements, they deserve it as much as anyone else.”

The majority of students with special educational needs continue to be supported in mainstream classrooms alongside their peers in local communities. Where students have more complex needs, special class placements are provided, while students with the most complex needs are supported through special school placements.

The Government remains committed to accelerating the delivery of additional special education provision. In recent years, new special classes have been established at both primary and post-primary levels in every county.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has reported a continued increase in demand for special education places for the 2026/2027 school year. A key development has been the introduction of the online “Parents Notify” process, which has provided clearer, earlier visibility of need and enabled more proactive engagement with schools.

Approximately 75% of students identified as requiring a special class place are already in school, while others are younger children who may apply for places in future school years.

The NCSE will continue to monitor demand and support families through the continued sanctioning of classes throughout the placement process.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of new special classes sanctioned for the upcoming school year to 427, with further approvals expected in the coming weeks.

Notably, many classes were sanctioned earlier than in previous years, reflecting a strengthened focus on forward planning. The Department and the NCSE will continue to prioritise early approvals.

Inclusive special classes, with one of five will confirmed today for Wexford have also been sanctioned as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs.

This builds on good practice that helps students with additional needs learn alongside other students in mainstream classes, while also having time during the day to receive extra support in a special class.

This approach formalises good practices already in place in many schools and aligns with national policy developments on inclusive education.

Inclusive special classes help more students attend their local schools while still getting the support they need. Students can move between mainstream classes and special classes depending on what support they need at any time.

Inclusive special classes are already operating in number of schools that have at least one special class. This allows schools to support more students within the same school setting and builds on what is already working well in some schools. This approach reflects the demand from schools across the country for more flexible and inclusive ways to support students with additional needs.

The inclusive special class for Wexford will receive funding for:

• 1 teacher (or 1.5 teachers at post‑primary level)
• 2 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
• Extra capitation funding
• Access to training and support from the NCSE

Schools will also receive:

• A €30,000 start‑up grant for furniture and equipment
• Funding for minor building works or repurposing works, where needed

Student's attending these classes will also be eligible for standard school transport supports.