Gilson National School
Oldcastle, Meath
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 222 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 106 girls, 116 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12488C the Department of Education reference for this 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.
Applying to Gilson National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Gilson National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Gilson National School
How many pupils attend Gilson National School?
Gilson National School has 222 pupils enrolled, 106 girls and 116 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gilson National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Gilson National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Gilson National School?
Gilson National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.