Celbridge Schools to Pilot New Single Secondary School Application System

The pilot scheme launched today will be rolled out in 5 towns

Parents in Celbridge will soon benefit from a simplified secondary school admissions process as the town has been selected for a new government pilot scheme.

From October 2025, families applying for first-year places in participating Celbridge post-primary schools will be able to use a single online application form for entry in September 2026.

The pilot scheme — announced today by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan TD — aims to streamline the admissions process and reduce the stress and uncertainty often faced by parents and students.

Celbridge is one of five areas across the country taking part in the trial, alongside Athenry, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore.

Three schools in Celbridge are participating in the pilot:

•     Salesian College
•     St Wolstan's Community School
•     Celbridge Community School

The new Single Application System will allow parents to apply to any or all of the participating schools in their area using one centralised online form. This includes applications for places in special education classes.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee said the pilot is a “gamechanger” for families and marks a critical step toward the rollout of a nationwide system.

“Today we are taking a first step towards this goal, in launching a pilot Single Application System for schools in Celbridge and four other towns.
This pilot is an important step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent, and equitable school application process.”

Minister Moynihan highlighted how the new system could bring greater peace of mind to parents, particularly those seeking special class placements:

“The application process can be a stressful time for families, particularly when it comes to special education placements. We need to ensure parents have certainty and peace of mind, while also simplifying the administrative process for schools.”

The Department of Education says feedback from the pilot will shape the design of a national common application system in the years ahead.