Naoise Ó Cearúil TD welcomes launch of Pilot School Admissions System in Celbridge Post-Primary Schools

 

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan of a pilot Single Application System for post-primary school admissions, with Celbridge named as one of the five towns participating in the trial.

 

The pilot scheme will allow parents and guardians in Celbridge to apply to all local post-primary schools, including Salesian College, St Wolstan’s Community School, and Celbridge Community School, using one centralised online application form for first-year places starting in September 2026. Applications will open from 1 October 2025.

 

“This is a very welcome development for families in Celbridge, and one I’ve been calling for over a number of years,” said Deputy Ó Cearúil. “The current application process can be stressful for both parents and students, particularly when dealing with multiple schools and timelines. A single, streamlined system will make things far clearer and more accessible.”

 

Deputy Ó Cearúil added: “The inclusion of all three Celbridge secondary schools in the pilot, Salesian College, St Wolstan’s, and Celbridge Community School, is a positive and practical move. It ensures that every family in the town will benefit from a simpler, more transparent process.”

 

The new system is designed to reduce administrative burdens on schools, remove uncertainty for families, and assist with better planning, particularly in relation to special class placements, which will be included in the pilot.

 

“This pilot is a step in the right direction. It supports families, eases pressure on school staff and reflects a joined-up approach to school admissions. I’ll continue working with the Ministers and the Department to ensure that the feedback from Celbridge is heard and that the needs of our community are met as the system is refined,” Deputy Ó Cearúil concluded.