SETANTA SPECIAL SCHOOL
School Details
About
Setanta School is a co‑educational day school situated in a brand‑new, purpose‑built campus at Beechwood Court, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. It provides specialised education for young people on the autistic spectrum aged 12 to 18 years. The school’s ethos centres on empathy, justice, compassion and joy, ensuring that each pupil is treated with respect, dignity and kindness throughout their time at the centre. A strong emphasis is placed on personalised learning programmes that cater to individual strengths and needs, fostering both academic progress and social development. The modern facilities include a fully equipped gym, a dedicated games room and a Fetac‑approved kitchen, all designed to support a wide range of therapeutic and educational activities. The school currently accommodates 68 students, supported by a team of 14 teachers and 40 Special Needs Assistants, enabling a low student‑to‑staff ratio and intensive, hands‑on support. The environment is purpose‑designed to promote independence, confidence and community engagement for learners on the autism spectrum.
History
The institution was founded in 1965 by the HSE as St Loman’s Special School, located beside St Loman’s Hospital and serving a broad range of special‑needs children. In 1990 it relocated to Blanchardstown and was renamed James Connolly Special School, focusing specifically on pupils on the autism spectrum aged 12‑18. A further move in 1995 to its present site brought a new name, Setanta School, and after a brief shared use with Mary Immaculate School for the Deaf, the building became solely Setanta’s. Expansion continued with the use of former Ballyowen Meadows premises, adding facilities such as a gym and games room. In September 2025 the school transitioned to its current purpose‑built campus in Beechwood Court, marking a new chapter in its development.