GILSON NATIONAL SCHOOL
School Details
About
Gilson National School is a vibrant primary school serving the parish of Oldcastle, offering education from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. The school follows the Irish national curriculum with a strong emphasis on developing independence, collaboration and real‑world skills. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for personal tasks such as dressing, managing their own lunch and completing homework, fostering confidence and self‑reliance from an early age. A broad range of extracurricular activities—including sport, science week projects, Green Flag environmental initiatives and the Gael Bhratach Irish language programme—complement classroom learning and promote holistic development. The campus comprises eleven modern classrooms, a dedicated computer room, specialised learning‑support rooms and a spacious assembly hall. A 2011 extension added a new classroom, additional support spaces and an enlarged staffroom, officially opened and blessed in June 2012. The school’s facilities support a lively programme of sports, music, drama and community events, highlighted by recent football successes and annual concerts that involve both English and Gaeilge performances. Parents are provided with clear guidance on school routines, health policies and the transition to formal education, ensuring a supportive partnership between home and school.
History
Gilson National School derives its name from Laurence Gilson, a native of the parish who bequeathed £25,400 in 1810 for the education of local children. The original school was completed in 1832. In 1969 the Gilson Secondary School merged with the local VEC school, and the current National School building was erected in 1977, replacing the former boys’, girls’ and infant schools. A bronze statue of Laurence Gilson, cast by Ann Meldon Hugh, was installed outside the old school in May 2011. The school now boasts 11 classrooms, a computer room, learning‑support facilities and a large assembly hall, with a major extension completed in 2011 and officially opened by Bishop Michael Smith in June 2012.