Information on Admissions

This Admissions Policy is one of the most important documents the school has produced. It is written for parents and students who wish to find out about the school and how to apply for admission to this school.

This policy is rooted in the school’s fundamental aim of providing a comprehensive system of Post Primary Education open to all the children of the community. The policy sets out the procedures to be followed in the following circumstances.

  • Students applying for a place in First Year

  • Students from outside of the school applying for a place in any other year group or programme.

  • Students applying to transfer from another Second Level School.

  • Students applying to repeat any year of any programme within the school inc repeating the Leaving Certificate Programme

  • Students from within the school applying for a place on any programme within the school (Leaving Certificate Traditional ,LCVP, T.Y., J.C.S.P., etc )

This policy should be read in conjunction with the other policies associated with the school and are available on request from the school and / or available to download from our website www.oaklandscc.ie

Oaklands Community College is a co-educational, multi-denominational, multicultural post primary school located in Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The Oak trees above the incline reflect the Edenderry name – Eadan Doire – the Brow of the Oak. It also records the arms of O’Connor Fahy, the principal ruling family of Offaly in the Middle Ages.

The cross recalls the Franciscan Monastery of Monasteroris.

The two escallops are taken from the Arms of the Marquess of Downshire, who was largely responsible for the development of the town in the last century.

The overall design reflects the topography, history and achievements of the area.

As members of a caring school community, we promote respect for ourselves, each other and the school environment in a spirit of partnership and teamwork.

We are an inclusive school, committed to developing a culture of achievement where we nurture the full academic and personal development of all students in a safe and challenging learning environment. We aim to prepare all our students for the responsibilities and experiences of life.

Monasteroris N.S.
Castlejordan N.S.
Derrinturn N.S.
Ballybryan N.S.
Broadford N.S.
Edenderry Boys N.S.
Edenderry Girls N.S.
Kilshanroe N.S.
Cadamstown N.S.
Kinnegad N.S.
Johnstownbridge N.S.
Enfield N.S.
Ticknevin N.S.
Killina N.S.
Daingean N.S.
Clogherinkoe N.S.
Clonbullogue N.S.
Rhode N.S.
Scoil Bhride N.S.
Gaelscoil Éadan Doire
Scoil Bhride Croghan

Education Act 1998

Section 9 (1) of the Ed Act 1998 specifies that “A recognised school shall subject to this Act and in particular section 15(2d), establish and maintain an Admissions Policy, which provides for maximum accessibility to the school”

Section 14(2)

A board shall fulfil in respect of the school, the functions assigned to that school by this Act,

Section 15(2)

A board shall perform the functions conferred on it and on a school and in carrying out its functions

Section 15(2d)

States that the Board Of Management shall publish, in such manner as the board with the agreement of the patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school, including the policy of the school relating to the expulsion and suspension of students and admission to and participation by students with disabilities or who have other special educational needs and ensure that policy principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents’ choice are respected and such directions as may be made from time to time by the Minister, having regard to the characteristic spirit of the school and the constitutional rights of all persons concerned, are complied with

Education (Welfare) Act 2000

Admission of child to recognised school

Section 9 of the Education Act states that a recognised school shall provide education to students, which is appropriate to their abilities and needs and Section (9a) ensures that the educational needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special educational needs, are identified and provided for.

States 19(1) that the Board of Management of a recognised school shall not refuse to admit a student in such school a child, in respect of whom an application to be to admitted be made, except where such refusal is in accordance with the policy of the recognized school concerned published under section 15(2)(d) of the Act of 1998.

States in19(2) that The parent of a child who has made an application referred to in subsection (1) shall provide the recognised school concerned with such information as may be prescribed by the Minister.

States that in 19(3) that as soon as practicable, but not later than 21 days, after a parent has provided, in accordance with subsection (2), such information as may be subscribed by the Minister there under, the Board of Management of the school concerned shall make a decision in respect of the application concerned and informed the parent in writing thereof.

The Equal Status Act, 2000 Sections 5 & 7 (2)

prohibits discrimination on the grounds of “gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Travelling Community” regarding admission, access to programmes, participation in the School or regarding expulsion or any other sanction.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004

This Act outlines in Section 3 the Preparation of an education plan by School (including steps preliminary to such preparation), Sections 4 & 5 referring to the Assessment of the child and modes of assessment. Section 7 outlines the resources available to the School including physical classroom accommodation, class size, teaching and financial resources and is also subject to the capacity of the School to provide for the educational needs of those who apply for admission.

The implementation of the curriculum, the pastoral care programme, the School development plan and School policy have due regard to the resources and funding available. The School follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the Department of Education and Science, which may be amended from time to time, in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998

We are committed to providing a holistic education with the aim of developing the academic, cultural, sporting, moral and spiritual needs of our students.

The aim of Oaklands Community College is to provide an enriching environment for the academic, moral, spiritual and social education of its pupils, and to nurture the growth and development of all.
The school ethos is Christian and each individual is respected regardless of religious persuasion and is guaranteed access to the educational facilities at the school.
The Curriculum is designed with the modern world in mind and students are equipped with the skills and qualifications necessary to confront any problems they may encounter in life.
The school is managed by a Board of Management and offers a Christian environment, fostering the emotional, moral and social development of students.

  • Academic excellence within a caring environment
  • Committed experience and highly qualified staff
  • A Pastoral Care structure
  • Good discipline practice
  • Extensive educational facilities
  • Broad extra-curricular programme

Under the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is a legal entity with legal responsibilities and obligations.
The Board of Management consists of Parents’ Representatives, Teacher Representatives and Laois/ Offaly ETB Representatives.
The parent representatives must be parents/guardians of students who are presently enrolled in the school. 

The teaching staff at Oaklands Community College are employed by Laois/ Offaly ETB and are paid by the Department of Education and Science.

  • Junior Certificate
  • Junior Certificate Schools Programme
  • Transition Year
  • Leaving Certificate Established
  • Leaving Certificate Applied
  • Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

Provision is made in the Education Act 1998 to allow parents of students of a school to set up a Parents Association. The Act states that:
The parents of students of a recognised school may establish and maintain from among their number, a parents’ association for the school and membership of that association shall be open to all parents of students of that school.
The parents association in our school works with the principal, staff and board of management to build effective co-operation and partnership between home and school. The role of the parent’s association is set down in the Education Act 1998 as follows:
A parents association shall promote the interests of the students in a school in co-operation with the board, principal, teachers and students.
The Education Act also sets out two broad tasks for a parents association which are:
– To advise the Principal or the Board on matters relating to the school
– To adopt a programme of activities, which will promote the involvement of parents in the operation of the school, in consultation with the Principal.

Oaklands Community College has a very active and enthusiastic Student Council.
A new Student Council was elected this September. It is made up of elected representatives from each of the class groups who do their best to give their fellow students a voice in school matters. They are also actively involved in school policies and make a very important contribution to the school community.

The school is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Opening hours may be extended to facilitate extra curricular activities.

A comprehensive school calendar detailing school holidays, parent teacher meetings, examination dates and other important events is posted to parents annually.

The application form for 2022/23 will be available from 11th October to 8th of November 2021.