Glenstal Abbey School

Since January 2022 Marius Carney, BA MPhil. Educated at Queens University, Belfast, followed by Cambridge University where he studied medieval history.

The first lay headmaster to lead the school, Mr Carney (called Marius by staff and boys alike)

Most of the boys are Catholic, but it’s not a requirement for entry. However, boys and their families are expected to respect the values and beliefs of the Benedictine community.

Applications for 1st year entry can be made in the autumn prior to

Impressive support for students’ next steps. Two guidance counsellors provide senior cycle (4th, 5th and 6th year) students with psychometric testing, individual meetings and weekly guidance classes. It’s a small school and staff are aware that

The school follows the junior and senior cycles of the Irish Leaving Certificate. It’s more like the IB (International Baccalaureate) than A levels; students take English, maths and Irish (unless exempt) plus a language and then a further three or

The school is proud of its academic tradition and impressive Leaving Cert results. Small classes make for lots of support and parents cite this as one of the reasons for choosing the school, confirming there is close monitoring of students, and they

Learning needs are assessed on entry with relevant support provided by an experienced team. During our visit the large learning support classroom was a hive of quiet activity with boys on laptops being supported by staff. Boys who are exempt from

Music is central to school life and the music department is strong. As one parent said, ‘Singing is as big as rugby here!’ and it’s a real testament to the school and the boys that the school choir is so popular. Mr Carney himself conducts rehearsals

The keen sportsman is well served here with training and competition a huge part of school life. Rugby is the main team sport with a good few international and club players among alumni. It is serious stuff and, on our visit, a rare one-point defeat

Currently full (seven-day) boarding but with flexibility to go home on weekends and additional evenings as desired. The school is introducing a five-day boarding option with boys to arrive at school on either Sunday evening or Monday morning and

In this small community it’s unsurprising that many staff, parents and boys we spoke to used the word ‘family’ when describing the school. Boys are well cared for and pastoral issues are handled with a light touch, kindness and a real understanding

Many families have strong historic connections to the school. Others have been influenced by meeting impressive alumni in the outside world. As one such parent told us, ‘I always said if I ever have a boy, I was resolute he would come here.’ Boys

Music, academic and athletic scholarships are available based on merit and need. A ten per cent sibling discount applies.

Set in beautiful surroundings, Glenstal is a traditional academic boys’ boarding school with a strong sporting culture, but not a macho one. Instead, it is a caring school, producing articulate and modern young men. Strong leadership is making its