FAQs

A Sudbury school is a democratic school where students have complete responsibility for their own education. There's no set curriculum, mandatory classes, or grades. Students, typically aged 5-18, learn through self-directed exploration, play, projects, and community interaction. They are equal members of the school community, participating in decision-making and helping to run the school

Learning at a Sudbury school is self-directed. Students choose what, how, and when they learn. There are no required classes, tests, or grades. Learning happens through exploration, play, projects, and community interaction in a mixed-age setting. Staff act as facilitators, supporting students' individual learning journeys

At a Sudbury school, staff members are not traditional teachers. They act as facilitators, mentors, and resources, supporting students in their self-directed learning. They are also equal members of the school community, participating in the democratic process and helping to maintain the school environment.

Many people wonder how students learn "the basics" without a set curriculum. The truth is, students at Sudbury schools often learn these basics through their self-directed pursuits. For example, a student interested in building a treehouse might learn about math, engineering, and physics in the process. Or a student writing a play might develop their language and literacy skills. Learning becomes relevant and meaningful because it's connected to the student's interests

Here at True Nature we employ a restorative practice when dealing with conflict. This means we focus on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and promoting understanding. Instead of simply punishing wrongdoing, the goal is to help students understand the impact of their actions and make amends. This approach fosters empathy, accountability, and a sense of community.

Given the self-directed nature of learning at our school, students have some flexibility on when they start and finish their day. However, we expect students to be here from 10.30am-2.30pm which are our ‘core hours’. The school building however is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday through Thursday and 8.30am to 2pm on Friday’s. Staff are available during these hours to support students and offer activities. Our calendar generally follows the Irish primary & secondary mainstream academic year calendar, with some variations.

Absolutely! Sudbury graduates are well-prepared for college, even without a traditional curriculum. They develop the very skills colleges seek: self-direction, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Furthermore, at True Nature, we support students in exploring all options for college entry. This includes alternative pathways like QQI courses, PLC courses, apprenticeships, and supporting students who choose to self-study for the Leaving Certificate. We work with each student to create a personalized plan for their future.

It's important to understand that a Sudbury education doesn't follow the traditional model of grades and standardised tests. Therefore, recognition sometimes requires a different approach. However, the skills and qualities that our students and future graduates develop—self-direction, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love of learning—are now universally recognised and highly valued.

Some parents ask about screen time and the potential impact of technology on children. At our school, we believe in empowering students to make responsible choices about technology use. While we don't have strict limits on screen time, we encourage a balanced approach that includes plenty of time for other activities. We also provide guidance and support to help students develop healthy habits around technology use.

Our school embraces mixed-age learning, which means you'll find a diverse age range within our community. Our current students are between the ages of 5 and 13. We are a school for students aged 5-18 and believe that the interaction between different age groups enriches the learning experience for everyone.

We accept applications on a rolling basis. While we do our best to accommodate all applicants, space is sometimes limited. Click here to learn more about our application process..