Irish-Immersion Schools Report Growing Special Educational Needs Demand

Southwold Primary School in Hackney has retained its outstanding Ofsted rating thanks to an ambitious curriculum and expert phonics teaching, helping pupils—many from disadvantaged backgrounds—achieve phenomenally high scores in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school fosters a nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, and those with special educational needs receive swift, tailored support in collaboration with external professionals. In Galway, St Joseph’s Special School underwent a significant transformation by 80 volunteers who enhanced its gardens, murals, and staffroom, revitalizing the space and celebrating the school's 60th anniversary with a strong sense of community spirit. Meanwhile, Irish-immersion education has seen remarkable growth in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with over 256 immersion primary schools and more than 66,000 students enrolled by 2024, reflecting efforts to revitalize the Irish language and promote bilingualism. These developments highlight a broader commitment to inclusive, high-quality education and cultural preservation across different contexts. However, tensions remain elsewhere, such as in Chatham, Kent, where a grandfather’s long battle against school-run traffic disruptions underscores the challenges communities face balancing parental convenience with residential peace.