The long-standing learning institution is set to close their doors in August 2028.
IN A STATEMENT released by the secondary school on October 23, they explained the “difficult decision to wind down” the school’s operations.
The closure of Glenstal Abbey Secondary School will take place no later than August 2028.
In the statement, they said, “This decision has not been made suddenly, nor has it been made lightly. The Abbey has wrestled with the future of the school for many years.
“However, the environment in which Glenstal Abbey School operates has changed significantly.”
The school has been running their operation since 1932, providing secondary school education for 94 years for boys aged 12 to 18 in Limerick.
With less demand for boarding schools in today’s current landscape the school said, “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.”
In February 2026, the Department of Education and Youth reported that there were 208 pupils enrolled at the time. The students included seven-day boarders, five-day boarders and day boarders.
“We are particularly saddened that this decision will come as a considerable 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 statement read, which was released on the school’s website.
For students currently enrolled at the Abbey, the school’s intention is that “All students will continue their education at Glenstal Abbey School as normal throughout the current academic year, ending in June 2027.
“For the academic year 2027/2028, our intention is to allow our current second and fifth-year students to complete their Junior and Senior Cycle of education.”
The secondary school announced that they currently have plans in place to support students and their families throughout the closure.
“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.”