St Michaels HSE Special School
Raheny, Dublin
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 52 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 15 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19373U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Michael’s HSE Special School forms part of St. Michael’s House, a charitable organisation that delivers a comprehensive range of residential, day‑care and clinical supports for people with intellectual disabilities across the greater Dublin area. The school provides a specialised, rights‑based educational programme for children and young people with disabilities, blending the Irish national curriculum with therapeutic interventions, life‑skills training and personalised learning plans. Funding is provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE), TUSLA and the Department of Education and Skills, ensuring that services are free at the point of use and aligned with national standards. The school operates from purpose‑built premises in Rathgar, featuring accessible classrooms, sensory and multi‑sensory rooms, outdoor play areas and close links to residential and respite facilities. A person‑centred approach underpins everyday practice, promoting independence, choice and community inclusion. The ethos reflects the organisation’s core values of respect, kindness, honesty, excellence and creativity, fostering an environment where each learner can develop confidence, social skills and academic progress in partnership with families and multidisciplinary professionals.
History
The organisation began on 2 June 1955 when Patricia Farrell placed an advert in *The Irish Times* seeking a support network for her son with Down syndrome. Following a public meeting chaired by Declan Costello, St. Michael’s House was founded to provide services and to change societal attitudes towards intellectual disability. In 1956 a house on Northbrook Road, Ranelagh was purchased and the first day‑centre/school opened with a single teacher and 12 children. By October 1958 a second teacher was employed, expanding enrolment to 25. In October 1960 the school gained recognition as a National School, with teacher salaries funded by the Department of Education. Growing demand led to relocation to larger premises on Grosvenor Road, Rathgar, and the establishment of a North‑side campus on Jamestown Road, Finglas. The school has continued to evolve, adding further education hubs and innovative services guided by best international practice.
Applying to St Michaels HSE 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 St Michaels HSE 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 St Michaels HSE Special School
How many pupils attend St Michaels HSE Special School?
St Michaels HSE Special School has 52 pupils enrolled, 15 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Michaels HSE Special School a DEIS school?
No. St Michaels HSE 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.
What is the ethos of St Michaels HSE Special School?
St Michaels HSE Special School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.