Special Educational Needs (SEN) Services in Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Northern Ireland's second largest borough by population, blends urban centres like Armagh city with extensive rural areas along the upper Bann valley and Lough Neagh's southern shore, shaping a SEND support system that prioritises community-based services for families across diverse landscapes. While the area has seen notable net gains from international migration, contributing to growing pupil diversity in schools, local SEND provision benefits from strong ties to the Education Authority and impartial guidance through SENAC, the Special Educational Needs Advice Centre. Parents navigating this can feel reassured knowing the borough's focus on connected community planning helps address unique rural challenges while building on established strengths in inclusive education.
In Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon's diverse landscapes, where rural challenges meet strong inclusive education ties, JakTrack empowers families to feel prepared and supported right from the start. As you log daily evidence on sleep, meals and behaviour, the app's gentle AI insights help you spot patterns over time, leaving you in control during SENAC consultations or Education Authority meetings. Starting early builds that reassuring body of proof, turning uncertainty into quiet confidence for your child's journey. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEN Provision
115
Schools
3
Specialist
21
SPiM Schools
40,446
Total Pupils
4,335 pupils
3,024 pupils
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon operates under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. Children here may receive a Statement of Special Educational Needs from the Education Authority.
Northern Ireland Support Organisations
These organisations can help families in Northern Ireland navigate the SEN system:
Free independent advice on special educational needs in Northern Ireland
The Education Authority manages all SEN statements and assessments
Legal advice and representation for children and young people in NI
Local Services & Contacts
SENAC / SEN Advice
Free, independent advice and support for families navigating SEN processes in Northern Ireland.
SENAC (Special Educational Needs Advice Centre)
SEN / Statementing Team
The Education Authority team responsible for Statements of SEN.
SEN Team
Education Authority (EA)
Schools
Ceara School
Special0% SENDonard School
Special0% SENLisanally School
Special0% SENCarrick Primary School, Lurgan
Primary20.8% SENMillington Primary School, Portadown
Primary19.8% SENSt John's Primary School, Gilford
Primary19.6% SENGilford Primary School, Craigavon
Primary18.5% SENBridge Integrated Primary School, Banbridge
Primary18.2% SENFair Hill Primary School, Dromara
Primary16.9% SENEdenderry Primary School, Portadown
Primary16.1% SENMount St Catherine's Primary School, Armagh
Primary16% SENDrumgor Primary School, Craigavon
Primary15.4% SENSt Mary's Primary School, Banbridge
Primary15.2% SENSt Patrick's Primary School, Armagh
Primary14.7% SENLurgan Model Integrated Primary School
Primary14.2% SENPortadown Integrated Primary School
Primary10.9% SENTullygally Primary School, Craigavon
Primary10.9% SENEdenderry Primary School, Banbridge
Primary10.3% SENArmagh Christian Brothers Primary School
Primary9% SENThe Armstrong Primary School, Armagh
Primary8.5% SENSt Anthony's Primary School, Craigavon
Primary8.2% SENSt Brendan's Primary School, Craigavon
Primary5.6% SENBallyoran Primary School
Primary4.3% SENSeagoe Primary School, Portadown
Primary2.9% SENUnderstanding SEN provision in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. It retains a Statement-based system with a five-stage Code of Practice. Here's what you need to know:
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (SENDO), a child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision. Northern Ireland uses a five-stage Code of Practice - Stages 1-2 are school-based support, while Stage 3 involves a Statement of SEN from the Education Authority.
Statement of Special Educational Needs
Northern Ireland still uses Statements (similar to England's former system, now replaced by EHCPs there). A Statement is a legal document from the Education Authority setting out a child's needs and the provision required. It's maintained by the EA, not the school, and comes with appeal rights to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiM)
Some mainstream schools in Northern Ireland have specialist units - known as SPiM (Specialist Provision in Mainstream). These are dedicated classes within a mainstream school for children with specific needs, staffed by specialist teachers. Children benefit from both specialist support and mainstream social opportunities.
Grammar & Secondary Schools
Northern Ireland retains academic selection at age 11. Grammar schools are selective, while secondary (or "high") schools are non-selective. Both types have a SENCO and must provide SEN support. Grammar schools tend to have lower SEN rates but still have legal duties to identify and support children with SEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about SEND support in Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon.
Navigating SEND in Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for Statement of Special Educational Needs reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
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