ST PAULS HOSPITAL SPECIAL SCHOOL
School Details
About
St Paul’s Special School is a dedicated specialist institution for children and young people aged 3‑18 who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. The school delivers a holistic education that balances academic learning with social, spiritual, physical and emotional development. Curriculum provision follows the National Curriculum and is personalised through individual Education Plans, while a wide range of specialist subjects – including Home Economics, Woodwork, Fitness and Sports, Art, Pottery, Music, Horticulture and Gardening – give pupils practical skills and creative outlets. The campus is equipped with a variety of sensory‑rich facilities such as sensory rooms, a cycle programme, horse‑riding, swimming, a shop programme and dance sessions. These environments are designed to engage the five senses and support sensory integration. Small‑group classes, supported by specialist teachers and a large team of Special Needs Assistants, ensure that each child receives tailored instruction and care. A multidisciplinary clinical team comprising psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and nursing staff works closely with the school to provide comprehensive therapeutic support, fostering confidence and independence in every learner.
History
St Paul’s Special School was founded in 1971 by the Sisters of Mercy as an outreach initiative of the Child Guidance Clinic at the Mater Hospital. Originally established to serve children with autism, the school has grown into a fully funded Department of Education and Skills institution, now overseen by a Board of Management. Over the decades it has expanded its provision to include eight main‑school classes, an Early Intervention Class for younger pupils, and a range of respite services linked with the Mater Hospital, maintaining its original ethos of specialised, compassionate education for autistic learners.