Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Lusk Community College, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, participate, and succeed.
Guided by our core values of respect, responsibility and kindness, we work to create a supportive and inclusive school environment where all students feel valued and empowered.
Our Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Team works closely with students, parents, teachers and outside professionals to ensure that students with additional needs are supported to reach their personal, social and academic potential.
We recognise that every learner is different, and we aim to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way.
Guided by our core values of respect, responsibility and kindness, we work to create a supportive and inclusive school environment where all students feel valued and empowered.
Our Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Team works closely with students, parents, teachers and outside professionals to ensure that students with additional needs are supported to reach their personal, social and academic potential.
We recognise that every learner is different, and we aim to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way.
How we Support Students:
Our AEN supports are designed to help students access learning and participate fully in school life.
Our GoalsWe aim to:
Our GoalsWe aim to:
- Provide an inclusive learning environment for all students
- Identify students who may require additional educational support
- Support students to achieve their full potential
- Ensure students have equal access to education and assessment
- Work in partnership with parents and guardians
- Support teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners
Accessing AEN Supports:
Junior Cycle Supports:
Students may be supported through:
- Team Teaching in mainstream classes
- Literacy and Numeracy Support
- Social Skills Support
- Short Courses
- Level 2 Learning Programmes
- Skills for Life (QQI Level 2)
Senior Cycle Supports
Students may follow a range of pathways including:
- Leaving Certificate
- Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
Special Class Placements (ASD Class)
Lusk Community College has a dedicated Autism Special Class called Iontas which supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who require a high level of support to access education.
Eligibility for a Special Class
To be considered for a place in an ASD special class, a student must have:
Application Process
Availability of Places:
Please note that there are currently no available places in the Iontas ASD class at Lusk Community College.
Admission to the ASD class is subject to the school’s Admissions Policy and available places.
Parents seeking advice about special class placements may contact their local NCSE SENO or speak with their child’s primary school.
Eligibility for a Special Class
To be considered for a place in an ASD special class, a student must have:
- A professional diagnosis of Autism
- A professional report recommending a special class placement due to the level or complexity of the student’s needs
Application Process
- Parents/guardians apply to the school in line with the school’s Admissions Policy.
- Applications must include relevant professional reports recommending a special class placement.
- The NCSE (through the Special Educational Needs Organiser – SENO) may be involved in advising families and supporting the identification of suitable placements.
- Places are offered in accordance with the school’s admissions policy and available capacity.
Availability of Places:
Please note that there are currently no available places in the Iontas ASD class at Lusk Community College.
Admission to the ASD class is subject to the school’s Admissions Policy and available places.
Parents seeking advice about special class placements may contact their local NCSE SENO or speak with their child’s primary school.
Important information for Parents:
Exemption from the study of Irish
In certain circumstances, students may qualify for an exemption from the study of Irish.
All exemptions are processed in accordance with Department of Education Circular 0055/2022.
Schools must follow the criteria outlined in this circular when considering applications.
An exemption cannot be granted unless the Department criteria are met and the correct process is followed.
Who May Qualify
Students may qualify for an exemption where they meet the criteria outlined by the Department of Education. Examples include:
Application Process
Parents/guardians who wish to apply for an Irish exemption should follow these steps:
Important Information for Parents
Further InformationFor full details on the criteria for exemptions, please refer to:
Department of Education Circular 0055/2022 – Exemptions from the Study of Irish
In certain circumstances, students may qualify for an exemption from the study of Irish.
All exemptions are processed in accordance with Department of Education Circular 0055/2022.
Schools must follow the criteria outlined in this circular when considering applications.
An exemption cannot be granted unless the Department criteria are met and the correct process is followed.
Who May Qualify
Students may qualify for an exemption where they meet the criteria outlined by the Department of Education. Examples include:
- Students with significant and persistent learning difficulties
- Students who have received their primary education outside Ireland
- Students with specific learning difficulties or complex needs where a professional report recommends an exemption
Application Process
Parents/guardians who wish to apply for an Irish exemption should follow these steps:
- Contact the AEN Team or Year Head to discuss the request.
- Provide relevant supporting documentation, such as professional reports where applicable.
- The school will review the application in line with the Department of Education circular.
- If the criteria are met, the exemption will be processed and recorded by the school.
Important Information for Parents
- Exemptions from Irish can only be granted where the Department criteria are met.
- The school must follow the procedures set out in Circular 0055/2022.
- An exemption cannot be granted based solely on a parent request without meeting the required criteria.
Further InformationFor full details on the criteria for exemptions, please refer to:
Department of Education Circular 0055/2022 – Exemptions from the Study of Irish
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RACE – Reasonable Accommodations in Certificate Examinations
Students with additional educational needs may qualify for RACE supports during state examinations. Examples include:
Parents will be informed when applications are being made. 
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Assistive Technology
Some students benefit from assistive technology to support their learning. Examples include:
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