Shock as well-known Limerick school announces closure

A WELL-KNOWN Limerick school is to close down no later than August 2028.

In news which has sparked shock across the county, the trustees of Glenstal Abbey have confirmed in a statement of its “difficult decision” to wind down Glenstal Abbey School.

The trustees have said the decision has neither been made “suddenly or lightly”.

“The Abbey has wrestled with the future of the school for many years. During that time, we have sought to support it financially, to strengthen enrolment and to consider whether changes to the School's model could secure a sustainable future,” they said.

But they said the environment in which is operates in has changed significantly.

“Demand for boarding education has declined over time, while the cost of operating a small boarding school and providing the quality of education, care and facilities expected of Glenstal has continued to rise. A detailed external assessment of the school has confirmed that the kind of school we have here at Glenstal is not sustainable into the future,” the trustees said.

They acknowledged the decision will come as a shock to many families.

“We are deeply conscious of the trust these families have placed in Glenstal Abbey School and of the impact that this announcement will have on students, parents, staff, alumni and the wider Glenstal community,” the trustees added.

They added boarding schools across Ireland and elsewhere are experiencing similar pressures.

“Nevertheless, that knowledge provides little comfort to those who are faced with the loss of a school that has been such a significant part of so many lives. This is a very difficult decision for the Monastic Community and one which we would have preferred never to make and follows a process of consultation and engagement involving the Monastic Community, the board of management, and the board of governors,” the statement continues.

“The Abbey has provided substantial support to the School over many years because we believe deeply in the School, its students, its staff and its contribution. However, the Abbey must also meet its responsibilities to the monastic community and steward its resources responsibly. We have concluded, with immense regret, that we cannot continue to guarantee the School's longer-term future.”

All students at Glenstal Abbey will be able to continue their education through the school through this current academic year up to June 2027.

For the next academic year, it’s the intention is to allow second and fifth year students to complete their Junior and Senior Cycle of education.

“We have plans in place to support students and their families as well as staff during this time of change. Our immediate focus is on supporting students, maintaining stability and ensuring that the remainder of the academic year continues as positively as possible. We are deeply saddened by this unavoidable decision to close a school where we met such wonderful people and where we witnessed the work of continually dedicated staff, parents and students,” the trustees concluded.