ST DECLANS SPECIAL SCH
School Details
About
St. Declan’s Special School is a co‑educational Roman Catholic special school situated in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. It provides a supportive, low‑ratio learning environment for primary‑aged children (aged 4‑12) who experience emotional or behavioural difficulties that impede their progress in mainstream settings. Classes typically consist of six pupils, one class teacher and two Special Needs Assistants, allowing for personalised instruction and one‑to‑one support. The school’s curriculum is underpinned by the Jesuit ethos of “Head, Heart, Hand”, promoting competence in communication, a compassionate conscience and service to others, reinforced through the St Declan’s Code and student‑led projects such as the Head‑Heart‑Hand initiative and the ceramic mural commemorating the 50th anniversary. The school’s facilities have been enhanced by a 2021 grant from the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which upgraded internet connectivity and assistive‑technology resources, ensuring pupils can fully engage with digital learning tools. Children normally attend for up to two years before transitioning back to mainstream schools or into special classes within mainstream settings, with the aim of improving coping skills, social interaction and academic readiness.
History
St Declan’s Special School was founded in 1958 by the Irish Jesuits under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. Established to serve children who, for personal or emotional reasons, were achieving below their potential in local schools, the school has maintained its Jesuit‑inspired mission and ethos throughout its development, celebrating milestones such as its 50th anniversary in 2008.