Oaklands Community College approved for new inclusive special class

Oaklands Community College in Edenderry has been allocated an autism inclusive special class for the 2026/27 academic year.

The secondary school was included in the latest tranche of special classes to be announced by the Department of Education and Youth today (Monday).

The announcement has been welcomed by Offaly Fine Gael TD, Deputy John Clendennen.

“This is very welcome news for Oaklands Community College and the wider community of Edenderry. During a recent visit to the school , the need for extra special class capacity was highlighted and it’s great to receive this confirmation this morning," the Deputy said.

This latest announcement brings the total number of new special classes for the upcoming school year in Offaly to fourteen.

New special classes were previously announced for Mercy Primary School Birr, St Brendan’s Boys Primary School, Durrow National School, Scoil Mhuire Tullamore, Clonlisk National School, Rhode National School, Scoil Bhride Croghan, St Colman’s National School (Cappagh NS), Tullamore Educate Together National School, Coláiste Choilm, Tullamore College, Banagher College and St Brendan’s Community School Birr.

The new inclusive special class will be backed by additional resources including teaching staff, SNAs, and funding for equipment and any necessary school adaptations.

“I am conscious that Oaklands Community College is also waiting for progress on their new school building, and I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Government to move forward on this project, as well as others across the county. I want to commend the leadership and staff at the school as well as Cllr Liam Quinn on the strong work already being done," Deputy Clendennen concluded.