How many pupils go to Gilson National School?

Gilson National School has 222 pupils: 116 boys and 106 girls, according to the Department of Education's latest figures.

Is Gilson National School a mixed school?

Yes. Gilson National School takes both boys and girls.

What is the ethos of Gilson National School?

Gilson National School has a Catholic ethos. The ethos is set by the school's patron and shapes religious education and some admission rules.

Does Gilson National School teach through Irish?

No. Gilson National School teaches through English, with Irish taught as a subject.

Is Gilson National School a DEIS school?

Yes. Gilson National School is part of the DEIS programme, which gives extra support to schools in disadvantaged areas.

Where can I read Gilson National School's inspection reports?

The Department of Education publishes school inspection reports on gov.ie. Search there by Gilson National School's roll number, 12488C, or use the link on this page.

What other primary schools are near Gilson National School?

The closest is SN Fiach. The table on this page compares the nearest schools by distance, size, ethos and language.

Gilson National School

Oldcastle, Co. Meath

222 pupilsMixedCatholicDEIS

Work-to-rule: no supervision before or after school while it lasts. Check with the school. What it means

At a glance

Gilson National School is a primary school in Oldcastle, Co. Meath (Eircode A82 E400). Mark Carey is the principal of Gilson National School, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 schools list.

Pupils: 222
Boys and girls: Mixed · 116 boys, 106 girls
Ethos: Catholic
Language: English-medium
DEIS: Yes, part of the DEIS programme
Type: Mainstream
Roll number: 12488C

Inspection reports for this school from the Department of Education, on gov.ie

Compare with another school

Explained: what DEIS means · school ethos · how admissions work · how to choose a school

Starting junior infants in September 2027

We haven't found Gilson National School's junior infant enrolment dates for September 2027 yet. Most primary schools take applications in the autumn and winter before; the school's admission notice has the exact window.

We check school websites every week and add dates as soon as they're published. Visit the school's website.

When can my child start school? · How admissions work

Questions parents ask

Where is Gilson National School?: Gilson National School is a primary school in Oldcastle, Co. Meath (Eircode A82 E400).
Who is the principal of Gilson National School?: Mark Carey is the principal of Gilson National School, according to the Department of Education's 2025/26 schools list.
How many pupils go to Gilson National School?: Gilson National School has 222 pupils: 116 boys and 106 girls, according to the Department of Education's latest figures.
Is Gilson National School a mixed school?: Yes. Gilson National School takes both boys and girls.
What is the ethos of Gilson National School?: Gilson National School has a Catholic ethos. The ethos is set by the school's patron and shapes religious education and some admission rules.
Does Gilson National School teach through Irish?: No. Gilson National School teaches through English, with Irish taught as a subject.
Is Gilson National School a DEIS school?: Yes. Gilson National School is part of the DEIS programme, which gives extra support to schools in disadvantaged areas.
Where can I read Gilson National School's inspection reports?: The Department of Education publishes school inspection reports on gov.ie. Search there by Gilson National School's roll number, 12488C, or use the link on this page.
What other primary schools are near Gilson National School?: The closest is SN Fiach. The table on this page compares the nearest schools by distance, size, ethos and language.

Closest schools

Gilson National School compared with other schools in the area
School	Distance	Pupils	Boys and girls	Ethos	Irish-medium	DEIS
Gilson National SchoolThis school		222	Mixed	Catholic	No	Yes
SN FiachOldcastle	4.8 km	102	Mixed	Catholic	No	No
Scoil Mhuire NSOldcastle	5.7 km	94	Mixed	Catholic	No	No
Castlerahan Central NSBallyjamesduff	5.9 km	96	Mixed	Catholic	No	No
Cnoc an TeampaillVirginia	6.0 km	158	Mixed	Catholic	No	No
Scoil BhrideMountnugent	8.1 km	94	Mixed	Catholic	No	No
SN Carraig A BruisVirginia	9.0 km	103	Mixed	Catholic	No	No

Straight-line distances. Compare with the two closest · See more schools near here.

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Contact

Church Street
Oldcastle
Co. Meath
A82E400

Principal: Mark Carey on the Department of Education's 2025/26 schools list
Phone: 049 854 1327
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gilsonns.com
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Secondary schools near here

For 5th and 6th class families: open nights, application dates and costs for the secondary schools closest to Gilson National School, on our sister site.

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Next school holidays

In 8 daysOctober mid-term breakMon, 26 October to Fri 30 October 2026
In 9 weeksChristmas holidaysWed 23 December 2026 to Tue 5 January 2027
In 18 weeksFebruary mid-term breakThu, 18 February to Fri 19 February 2027

These dates are set for every primary school in Ireland. Check with Gilson National School for any extra days off and the last day in June. Get reminders · All term dates · Add to Google Calendar