1. Introduction

This Admission Policy complies with the requirements of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and the Equal Status Act 2000. In drafting this policy, the Board of Management of Scoil Thomáis consulted with school staff, the school patron and with parents of children attending the school.

The policy was approved by the school patron on Sept 23rd 2025. It will be published on the school’s website and is available in hardcopy on request.

The relevant dates and timelines for Scoil Thomáis admission process are set out in the school’s annual admission notice which will be published annually on the school’s website at least one week before the commencement of the admission process for the school year concerned. This policy must be read in conjunction with the Annual Admission Notice.

For the 2025/2026 school year, Scoil Thomáis will participate in the D15 Autism Class Application Trial with neighbouring schools and the NCSE. This trial does not represent a common admissions policy. Scoil Thomáis maintains complete autonomy over our admission policy and criteria. Participation in this trial does not guarantee an autism class place for your child.

2. Characteristic Spirit and General Objectives

Scoil Thomáis is a Catholic co-educational primary school under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. The Catholic Ethos aims at promoting:

• (a) the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person of the pupil;
• (b) a living relationship with God and with other people;
• © a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God;
• (d) the formation of the pupils in the Catholic faith.

Scoil Thomáis is a vertical primary school providing education for boys and girls aged 4-13 years in classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class.

Staffing and Resources:

The school currently has a staffing allocation of 48 teachers: 27 Mainstream Teachers, 1 ASD Class Teacher, 11 Special Education Teachers, 7 Supply Panel Teachers, an Administrative Principal, and an Administrative Deputy Principal.

3. Admission Statement

Scoil Thomáis will not discriminate in its admission of a student based on:

Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Disability, Race, Traveller Community ground, or Special Educational Needs.

Scoil Thomáis is a school whose objective is to provide education in an environment which promotes certain religious values and does not discriminate where it refuses to admit a person who is not Catholic, provided it is proved that the refusal is essential to maintain the ethos of the school.

4. Categories of Special Educational Needs (Autism Class)

Scoil Thomáis has established classes to provide education exclusively for autistic students. Eligibility requires:

• Professional report outlining a diagnosis of Autism (DSM IV/V or ICD 10/11).
• Evidence of complexity of the child’s needs.
• A clear professional recommendation for a special class placement.
• A letter from the NCSE confirming eligibility.

For 2025/26, the autism class caters for Senior Infants/1st Class age levels to ensure peer-appropriate inclusion practices.

5. Admission of Students

The school shall admit each student seeking admission except where:

• (a) The school is oversubscribed.
• (b) The parent fails to confirm in writing that the school’s Code of Behaviour is acceptable.

6. Oversubscription Criteria

If the school is oversubscribed, the following criteria apply (provided the child is at least 4 years old by April 1st of the year of enrolment):

6.1 Junior Infants

CATEGORY 1:

• Siblings of children currently enrolled in Scoil Thomáis.
• Children resident in the Parish of St. Thomáis the Apostle.
• Children of permanent or non-casual school staff.

CATEGORY 2:

• Children who are NOT resident in the Parish of St. Thomáis the Apostle.

All places are allocated according to date of birth, starting with the oldest.

6.2 Autism Class

1. Current students enrolled in the school.
2. Siblings of children enrolled in the school.
3. Students living within the catchment area.
4. Children of current staff members.
5. Children within the Dublin 15 area.
6. All other applicants.

7. What will NOT be Considered

The school will not take into account:

• Prior attendance at a pre-school.
• Payment of fees or contributions.
• Academic ability, skills, or aptitude.
• Occupation or financial status of parents.
• Attendance at interviews or open days.
• Date and time application was received (provided it is within the specified period).

8. Notifying Applicants of Decisions

Applicants will be informed in writing within the timeline outlined in the annual admissions notice. If refused, the reasons and ranking will be provided, along with details on the right to appeal.

9. Sharing of Data with Other Schools

As per Section 66(6) of the Education Act 2018, the school may share information (name, address, PPSN, etc.) with other schools or the Patron to facilitate efficient admissions and prevent “double-enrolment.”

10. Waiting List

In the event of oversubscription, a waiting list will be compiled based on the priority categories. This list remains valid only for the school year in which admission is sought.

11. Procedures for Other Classes and Mid-Year Admissions

• Other Classes: If a place is available in the appropriately aged year group, a place will be offered.
• Returns: Pupils returning from approved specialized placements (e.g., Reading/Language Class) are re-enrolled subject to availability.

12. Non-Attendance at Religious Instruction

Parents requesting that a child not attend religious instruction should make a written request to the Principal. A meeting will be arranged to discuss how this can be accommodated without reducing the school day.

13. Reviews and Appeals

• Review by BoM: Parents may request a review of a refusal within 15 school days of notification.
• Right of Appeal: Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents may appeal to an independent committee. If the refusal was due to oversubscription, a BoM review must be requested first.

Approved by: Brian Kealy (Chairperson) & Lorna Diffley (Principal)

Date: 23rd Sept 2025

Review Date: Annual