ST MARYS SPEC SCH
School Details
About
St. Mary’s Special School is a dedicated educational setting for children whose primary diagnosis is a mild intellectual disability, including a cohort of pupils with autism and mild‑to‑moderate intellectual impairment. Situated in a tranquil countryside location in Rochestown, Co. Cork, the school embraces a nurturing, holistic approach that prioritises life‑skills development alongside academic learning. Specialized spaces such as a Life Skills Room, a Sensory Room and a soft Occupational Therapy (OT) room are available to support pupils when they are dysregulated or need a calming break, fostering independence and emotional regulation. The school’s motto, “A Place to Grow”, reflects its commitment to the continuous development of both students and staff. Recent investment has resulted in a newly renovated building with modern facilities, and the addition of five dedicated classes for pupils with autism. In total, St. Mary’s offers twelve classes ranging from lower primary to upper secondary, providing a structured yet flexible curriculum that balances academic, social and functional outcomes. Strong collaboration with families underpins the school’s ethos, ensuring that each child’s potential is maximised within a supportive community environment.
History
St. Mary’s Special School has been operating since 1974. It originally functioned as a boarding school for pupils from Cork and surrounding counties under the leadership of its first principal, Mr Eamon O’Neill (1974‑1998), and the direction of the Brothers of Charity. In 1998 the school transitioned to an exclusively day‑school model. Mrs Mary Conroy was appointed as the second principal in 1999, serving for twenty years before retiring in 2019.