200 year Gala for Limerick school

A BICENTENARY celebration is set for one Limerick school, with a black tie gala on the cards to mark its 200 years in existence. 

Villiers School was established in 1821,beginning life on Henry Street in Limerick City before relocating to its current location on the North Circular Road. Being one of the only boarding schools in the region, Villiers hosts over 600 students and is a co-educational boarding and day school.

An anniversary gala ball will be held in the Strand Hotel, Limerick on Saturday, September 30 2023. The Black Tie event was officially launched in Villiers School on Friday, March 10.

Villiers is ‘unique’ because it is one of the only schools in Ireland, outside of Dublin, to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an option instead of the Leaving Certificate. Another is that approximately 20% of the current students are from an international background.

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Speaking at the launch of the 200 Years Gala Ball, Villiers Head of School, Jill Storey said: “Villiers is a unique school, with a long and fascinating history. The school operates as a charity and as such has a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. 

“We are fortunate to have a school population coming from many walks of life. I am honoured to be Head of School at this time, and mindful of the work of all those who both work with me and who have gone before me to ensure that the school is one which continues to evolve and thrive.”

The black tie event is being organised by Villiers School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Alumni Association and is extending invites to parents of current and past students to join the milestone anniversary ball.

Chairperson of the PTA, Barry Long, said they are delighted to have the opportunity to

mark the special anniversary with a celebration: “Villiers School has been part of the fabric of Limerick for over 200 years. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and history of the school. 

“Many people in Limerick will remember it as the one with girls with red socks. This celebration will reinforce the genuine family feeling of Villiers School - a family you are always part of and proud of”.

Villiers School was founded in 1821 under Hannah Villiers, as a Protestant-ethos educational facility for 30 students who were living with their mothers in sheltered accommodation also provided for by Hannah Villiers, Villiers Homes. Villiers Homes continues to provide housing to adults in need.