Statement from Glenstal Abbey
23 October 2026

Earlier today we informed the parents, students and staff and other stakeholders of the difficult decision to wind down Glenstal Abbey School over the following two years, with closure no later than August 2028.

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. 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.

However, the environment in which Glenstal Abbey School operates 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.

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.

We are not alone in facing these challenges. 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 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.

What this means for Students

All students will continue their education at Glenstal Abbey School as normal throughout the current academic year, ending in June 2027. Our intention is to maintain the quality of educational, boarding, pastoral and extracurricular provision throughout this period. 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.

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.

We value the relationship we have with students and parents here at Glenstal. Our monastic life and work continues here and we hope that, after this difficult passage of transition, the connection will remain, as it has indeed with so many former students and their families over the years.

Issued on behalf of the Trustees of Glenstal Abbey

For further contact: Wally Young, Young Communications, info@youngcommunications.ie 087 2471520