New online admissions system for four Offaly schools goes live

A new online admissions system for parents seeking to enrol children in four secondary schools in Offaly went live today (Wednesday) and will remain open for three weeks, until October 22.

The pilot project, which was first announced in July, will handle admissions to four post-primary schools in the Tullamore/Killina area for the the 2026/27 school year.

The participating schools are Coláiste Choilm, Killina Presentation Secondary School, Sacred Heart Secondary School, and Tullamore College.

From today until Wednesday, October 22, parents and guardians of children hoping to enrol in these schools next year are being asked to log onto applytoschool.ie in order to complete one online application instead of applying directly to the schools.

The process applies to all prospective students, including those seeking a special class place.

It's understood, however, that the new system does not allow parents to list the schools they want their child to attend in order of preference.

On the application portal, they will be asked to upload documents such as a copy of the child's birth certificate and two proofs of their current address.

There are five areas of the country taking part in the pilot admissions process, with Tullamore/Killina the sole participating area in the Midlands. However, the Government indicated that if the initiative proves successful it will be rolled out nationwide.

"This pilot is a major step toward delivering a nationwide common application system that will simplify the admissions process for families and schools alike," said the Department of Education in a statement today.

After the applications on applytoschool.ie close on October 22, there will be round one school place offers issued on November 12 (acceptances due by November 21) and round two offers issued on December 4 (acceptances due by December 11).

The pilot project was welcomed in press statements issued this week by Offaly's three TDs.

"The move from primary to post-primary school can be stressful, and this new system will make the process simpler, clearer and fairer," said Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack.

"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."

He added that the process would involve greater coordination between schools in allocating places. "Once a place is accepted, other schools will be notified, ensuring places are freed up more quickly for other students," he said.

Fine Gael's John Clendennen said: "This initiative will particularly help families who are seeking special class placements, and it will also cut down on duplicate applications, ensuring school places are allocated more efficiently and fairly.

"I want to thank the principals, teachers, and school staff across Tullamore and Killina who have engaged with the Department of Education to make this pilot possible."

Independent TD Carol Nolan also welcomed the new system.

"We all know the stress that many parents endure trying to successfully navigate the application process for schools at any level," she said.

"It is my hope that this pilot will make that process easier prior to any nationwide rollout that may follow."