New online school admissions pilot launched in Offaly schools

FAMILIES in Offaly will benefit from a major new step in modernising the post-primary school admissions process, with the launch of a pilot online application system for school places.

Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, announced the initiative, with Tullamore and Killina among the areas chosen to lead the way.

Until Wednesday, October 22, parents and guardians will be able to apply for first-year places, including special class places, through the new portal at applytoschool.ie

Four local schools are participating in the pilot: Coláiste Choilm, Killina Presentation Secondary School, Sacred Heart Secondary School and Tullamore College.

The new system is designed to simplify and streamline the admissions process, reduce stress for parents and guardians, improve transparency across schools and support fairer access to places, including special education classes.

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Welcoming the development, Independent TD, Carol Nolan said; “We all know the stress that many parents endure trying to successfully navigate the application process for schools at any level. It is my hope that this pilot will make that process easier prior to any nationwide rollout that may follow.”

“As I understand from what Minister McEntee has informed me, one of the key benefits of the pilot will be that after a parent accepts an offer in round 1, any other school in which that parent has accepted a place will be notified.”

“These parents will then be contacted directly by the schools and asked to choose their preferred school, allowing those other schools to offer those places to other children in round 2.“

“This pilot has been worked on in consultation with schools and it is a clear indication from them that a new and revised system is urgently needed to address the challenges and obstacles in the current application process,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

Depty Tony McCormack said: “The move from primary to post-primary school can be stressful, and this new system will make the process simpler, clearer and fairer. I’m especially proud that schools here in Tullamore and Killina are leading the way nationally. This is an important first step towards a nationwide online admissions system that will benefit all families.”

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