Beginning an Application
As of September 2020 schools are no longer permitted to hold waiting lists. Instead, all schools will accept applications in the October of the year preceding your daughters year of entry. This is called our Annual Admissions Window. The window will be open for approximately 4 weeks and will close in early November each year.
Key Dates are outlined on our Annual Admissions Notice.
During the Admissions Window, parents should complete an application for their daughter via one of the following methods:
1. Online application on the enrollment section of the school website;
2. Download a PDF copy via the school website, print, complete and return back to the school.
Please note that a place cannot be guaranteed if an application is not made during the annual admissions window.
Personal Visit
If you would like to know
more about the school and avail of a personal visit, please contact Mrs
Clifford in the school office to arrange this. Her direct number is 021 4358012.
Alternatively please complete the Notification of Interest form outlined above.
During a personal visit, you will meet with Mr McBeth, our Principal, have a tour of the school with some of our students, and meet with any other staff members you feel would be helpful to you at this stage of your decision-making process.
In some cases, parents request to speak with our SEN Coordinator, Ms McInerney, and this can be arranged during your visit also.
Open Evening
In addition to personal visits, we also hold an Open Evening each September. Everyone is welcome to attend this event and you do not need to apply in advance. During the Open Evening, you and your daughter will be given the opportunity to tour the school with our students, meet our staff, observe some classes and generally enjoy the atmosphere of the school. Presentations will be given by the Principal, Mr McBeth, Ms Goggin (Deputy Principal) and Ms O'Dea, our Head of 1st Year. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session.
Please check the school website for details of forthcoming Open Nights, or contact the school office.
Meeting with the Principal
If you submit an Application to the Ursuline College Blackrock and your daughter is accepted, you will receive a letter in early January of your daughter’s year of entry inviting you to a meeting with Mr McBeth. You will usually attend this meeting with your daughter and it is another opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. Mr McBeth will finalise the application process at this time.
Click here for a checklist of the information you should bring to this meeting.
CAT4 Tests
In late February / early March (specific dates outlined below) all girls who intend to join the school for the next academic year will be invited to attend a cognitive ability test (CAT) at the school. This test is run by an external agency and as such there is a €35 charge.
Parents will be provided with the results of the CAT4 test at the New Student Information Evening.
Please note that the CAT4 test is not an entrance exam, rather it is a diagnostic assessment that is designed to help students and their teachers understand how they learn best and what their academic potential might be. It assesses how students think in areas that are known to make a difference to learning. Given this, no preparation is required for this test.
New Student Information Evening
Parents will receive another
invite to school for a new student information
evening. The event will take place in mid-May. During the evening parents will be provided with additional information about the school with specific emphasis being placed on how to prepare for the year ahead. There will be a Q&A sessions followed by informal meetings with teachers.
Summer Mailings
During the summer break, parents will receive further information to help them and their daughter prepare for her first day at Ursuline College Blackrock.
Admissions Policy
You can view a copy of our Admissions Policy by clicking here.
Useful Links
