Jonah Special School
Slieverue, Kilkenny
Key facts
- Special school
- Some Irish-medium
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 12 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20380B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Jonah Special School is a co‑educational, non‑denominational special school in Slieverue, Kilkenny, dedicated to pupils aged 4‑18 with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum that blends academic learning with functional life skills, placing particular emphasis on communication, social interaction, independence, literacy and numeracy. Teaching is underpinned by evidence‑based, data‑driven interventions such as Applied Behaviour Analysis, TEACCH, Intensive Interaction and Attention Autism, ensuring that each child receives personalised, autism‑specific instruction. The learning environment is intentionally small, with a low staff‑to‑pupil ratio that enables intensive, individualised support. Small class sizes and a team of qualified teachers and specialist support staff facilitate tailored group teaching and one‑to‑one guidance. Recent refurbishment of the school building, funded by the Department of Education and Skills, provides modern, accessible facilities designed to meet the sensory and mobility requirements of the students. A culture of continuous professional development ensures that staff remain up‑to‑date with best practice methodologies. Strong partnership with families and a focus on nurturing a warm, safe, and joyful atmosphere aim to help each student achieve their full potential and progress towards greater independence.
History
Jonah Special School was established in 2002 by a group of parents who sought intensive, individualised instruction for their children with autism and complex needs. Initially funded as a pilot project, the school later gained full recognition from the Department of Education and Skills and was formally recognised as a special school in 2010. Over the years it has expanded its provision, receiving secondary top status in 2015 to employ qualified secondary teachers, and benefitted from charitable donations and a recent refurbishment of its premises.
Applying to Jonah Special School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Jonah Special School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Jonah Special School
How many pupils attend Jonah Special School?
Jonah Special School has 12 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Jonah Special School a DEIS school?
No. Jonah Special School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
Does Jonah Special School teach through Irish?
Partly. Jonah Special School teaches some subjects through Irish.