Are there special education secondary schools in Ireland?

While Ireland doesn't have dedicated "special education secondary schools" in the same way some other countries might, special education needs are catered for in a variety of ways within the existing secondary school system. Students with special educational needs (SEN) are typically integrated into mainstream schools, but with varying levels of support depending on their individual needs.

There are:

* Mainstream secondary schools with resource teaching: Many secondary schools have dedicated resource teachers who provide support to students with SEN within the mainstream classroom.

* Special classes within mainstream schools: Some secondary schools may have special classes for students with more significant SEN, but these students are still generally part of the wider school community.

* Special schools: While less common at the secondary level than primary, there are some special schools that cater for students with more complex or profound SEN. These are usually for students with significant learning difficulties or disabilities that make inclusion in a mainstream setting impractical. These are often smaller, and focus on the specific needs of the student population.

In short, the approach is more about inclusive education and providing support *within* the school system, rather than separate dedicated schools for secondary-aged students with SEN. The level and type of support offered will vary depending on the individual student's needs and the resources available at the school.