ST VINCENTS SP SCHOOL
School Details
About
St Vincent’s School, Lisnagry is a regional special‑needs school for children aged four to eighteen, providing education for pupils with moderate learning disabilities, severe and profound general learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The school follows the Department of Education and Skills’ Primary, Junior and Senior Cycle curricula within a child‑centred framework, integrating independent‑living skills throughout daily routines to promote autonomy and holistic development. The learning environment is designed to support a diverse range of needs. Facilities include a dedicated canteen building offering hot meals and a space for occupational‑therapy sessions, a Resource Room for more intensive support, a Tranquillity Room for sensory regulation, and specialised ASD classes. Outdoor provision features a playground known as “Leprechaun Land”, and two modular classrooms added in 2019 expand capacity. The school’s ethos emphasises an open, caring, Christian‑multicultural community where individuality is respected, creativity encouraged, and effort recognised, aiming to equip pupils with the skills required for fulfilling adult lives.
History
St Vincent’s School opened in September 1966 under the Daughters of Charity, becoming one of the first schools in the south of Ireland for students with moderate learning disabilities and receiving full Department of Education recognition. In 1986 a pilot class for severe learning disabilities was introduced, and following the 1993 High Court ruling by Judge O’Hanlon, the school expanded to include two classes for severe/profound disabilities. Subsequent developments included a Resource Room (1999), an Occupational Therapy room (2002), replacement of prefabricated structures (2003), junior and senior ASD classes (2004), the “Leprechaun Land” playground and a Tranquillity Room (2005), and the addition of two modular classrooms in November 2019. The school continues to evolve its provision in line with national special‑education policy and curriculum reforms.