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Enrolling a Child in Primary School in Ireland
Document Checklist
Child's birth certificate
Purpose: Confirms the child's age and identity
Who asks for it: Most schools, set by the school's own admissions policy
A school may ask for this under its own admissions policy rather than because national law lists it. The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 limits what a school can request — it cannot ask for a baptismal certificate as part of an application.
Proof of address
When it is asked for: Where a school uses a catchment area or distance-based rule to decide between applicants if it is oversubscribed
Examples: A recent household bill, tenancy agreement, or official letter showing your name and address
Schools commonly request this only where the admissions policy selects on distance or catchment. There is no single national catchment rule, so check the individual school's notice for what it accepts.
Previous school reports
When it applies: Where the child has already attended school, including abroad
Purpose: Helps the school place the child appropriately
A school may ask for these where relevant; a school may also request an educational assessment in some circumstances.
Child's PPS number
Purpose: Kept for the school's records and reporting, not used as an admission criterion
When you need it: Needed to enrol in an educational institution in Ireland
The PPS number is held for the school's records — it does not decide whether the child gets a place. If the child does not yet have one, see the PPS number guide.
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