Red Door Special School
Dublin
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 6 girls, 23 boys
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20381D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The Red Door School delivers a child‑centred, evidence‑based education specifically designed for pupils on the autism spectrum. Its approach combines Applied Behaviour Analysis, TEACCH, Intensive Interaction and other data‑driven interventions, ensuring each learner receives an Individual Education Plan that reflects their strengths, needs and preferred learning style. The curriculum follows the NCCA national framework and the NCCA curriculum for children with learning difficulties, supplemented by Aistear in the younger classes, and is organised into six learning areas including Communication & Language, Social, Environmental & Scientific Education, Arts, Physical Education and SPHE. A strong emphasis is placed on developing independence, life‑skills and social confidence so that students can thrive beyond their time at the school. The school is situated in purpose‑built accommodation on the Monkstown Grove campus in Dublin, providing a modern, accessible environment for up to five classes. Since its relocation in January 2021 the campus has expanded to accommodate a growing roll of pupils aged 4‑18, offering specialised facilities and a supportive community that works collaboratively with parents, local agencies and professionals. The inclusive ethos promotes dignity, respect and celebration of each child’s communication, fostering a positive social atmosphere alongside academic learning.
History
The Red Door School originated in 2001 as a pilot school established by the Learning Centre for Autistic Children, delivering Individual Education Programs under Applied Behaviour Analysis. It moved to its current Monkstown location in 2009 and, in 2010, joined six other pilot ABA schools under the patronage of Autism Ireland. In 2011 the school came under the direction of the Department of Education and Skills as a recognised Special School. A Whole School Evaluation was undertaken between January 2017 and January 2018, leading to permanent recognition in 2018 and the addition of two infant ASD classes that September. In January 2021 the school relocated to a new purpose‑built campus and, by April 2021, expanded to five classes.
Applying to Red Door 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 Red Door 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 Red Door Special School
How many pupils attend Red Door Special School?
Red Door Special School has 29 pupils enrolled, 6 girls and 23 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Red Door Special School a DEIS school?
No. Red Door 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.