ST AUGUSTINES SCHOOL
School Details
About
Saint Augustines School is a co‑educational special school in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, catering for approximately 160 pupils aged 8‑18 with mild learning disabilities (and, where appropriate, moderate disabilities with high independent‑living skills). The school delivers a comprehensive educational programme that blends the Junior Cycle (Level 2) and Further Education and Training (QQI Level 3) curricula with a strong emphasis on personal development, vocational training and life‑skills preparation. Small class sizes of no more than twelve students enable personalised teaching, and each pupil follows an Individual Education Plan that outlines specific academic, behavioural and independent‑living targets. The campus comprises 16 well‑equipped classrooms, four purpose‑built vocational training units, a large gymnasium, a ceramics workshop and outdoor facilities for basketball, tennis and swimming. Residential services are available for a limited number of students from Monday to Friday, supporting continuity of learning and social integration. The school’s mission is to promote excellence in special education, guided by a vision of hospitality and leadership in delivering tailored educational services. A holistic approach is reinforced through extracurricular programmes such as swimming, outdoor recreation and personal development activities, fostering confidence and community participation.
History
Founded in 1930, Saint Augustines School is part of the Saint John of God Community Services, an organisation dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities. The school has evolved to provide specialised education for children with mild learning disabilities, maintaining a commitment to religious freedom and inclusive practice. In September 2025 a new Board of Management was established, marking a recent governance milestone.