ST OLIVER PLUNKETT SP SC
School Details
About
St. Oliver Plunkett National School is a specialist primary school in Monkstown, County Dublin, dedicated to supporting children with reading difficulties, particularly dyslexia. Established in 1975, it is one of only four special reading schools in the Republic of Ireland and operates under the Catholic patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin while welcoming pupils of all faiths and none. The school provides a warm, caring and highly structured environment where each child is treated as a unique individual, with personalised learning plans that address both academic and emotional needs. The teaching approach is multi‑sensory and technology‑enhanced, employing visual aids, auditory cues and hands‑on activities alongside assistive software to reinforce reading accuracy, comprehension, spelling and writing. Classrooms are designed to be inclusive and supportive, with a low pupil‑to‑teacher ratio (63 pupils, 7 teachers and 5 special‑needs assistants) and high‑speed broadband connectivity supplied through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme. Beyond literacy, the school places equal emphasis on social skills, self‑confidence and spiritual development, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging active parental involvement.
History
St Oliver Plunkett National School was founded in 1975 as a Catholic‑patroned specialist reading school. It is one of four such schools in the Irish Republic, created to provide dedicated support for children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.