Active

Primary

Wed May 20 2026

Thu Jun 4 2026

Fri Aug 28 2026

Permanent

Mainstream with Special Classes

Vertical

Co-Educational

Catholic

DEIS Rural

14

221

Yes

Gilson NS is a (Co-Ed/Girls/Boys) school under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Meath, Dr Tom Deenihan. The school is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Principal. This is a permanent position starting on August 28th, 2026.

The present teaching staff comprises 1 Administrative Principal, 9 Class Teachers and 3 SET's. The school has 1 special class for children with additional needs. The appointment will be made via open competition. This is a key leadership role, offering an opportunity to work in partnership with the Principal and leadership teams to support the effective management, development and wellbeing of a diverse and inclusive school community.

Eligibility Criteria for Appointment
1. Applicants must be fully registered with the Teaching Council (Route 1, Primary) and have a minimum of five years recognised teaching service, two of which must be in a recognised primary school within the Republic of Ireland.
2. The successful candidate must hold a certificate to teach Religion in a Catholic School. The Deputy Principal will be expected to uphold and promote the ethos, values, and traditions of the school.
3. Appointment to this position will be subject to reference checks and Occupational Health screening, current and continuing Teaching Council registration, current Garda vetting requirements, and proof of qualifications.

Roles and Responsibilities
This position aligns with the four domains of leadership and management as outlined in Circular 0044/2019 and Looking at Our Schools 2022: A Quality Framework for Schools. They identify four key areas of leadership and management, and examples of demonstrated capacity will be sought in these domains:

1. Leading Teaching and Learning
2. Managing the Organisation
3. Leading School Development
4. Developing Leadership Capacity

In addition, evidence of the following knowledge, competencies and experience are essential to the role:
• Knowledge of and a commitment to the ethos of our school.
• Experience of leadership, management and administration in a primary school setting.
• A commitment to work with and support the Principal towards a shared vision for the school. This includes acting up as Principal in the event of his/her absence from school.
• Demonstrated capacity and knowledge of teaching in the area of Special Educational Needs, inclusive education and diversity in education.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills. Evidence of the ability to foster positive relationships with all members of the school community.
• Proven capacity in successfully leading people and a commitment to collaboration and the promotion of distributed leadership.
• A willingness to work collaboratively and foster positive relationships with the Principal, all staff members, Board of Management, parents/guardians and the wider school community and an ability to work effectively with families and liaise with external agencies and support services.
• Support for extra-curricular activities and opportunities for pupils in the school.
• Grá don Ghaeilge a léiriú agus tacaíocht i gcóir dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ann tríd na scoile.
• A proven ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in policy development, implementation and future planning as per the needs of the school.
• Flexibility to adapt, to cater for the daily changing needs of the school.
• Lead School Self- Evaluation (SSE) processes and ensure alignment with Department of Education guidelines.
• At regular intervals, but at minimum every two years, the Deputy Principal is required to undertake a review with the Principal. Roles and responsibilities will be reviewed in the context of the changing needs and priorities of the school and the professional development of the Deputy Principal. This may result in the reassignment of roles/responsibilities.

Applications by post only (marked Deputy Principal Application) to the Chairperson of the Board of Management, at the following address:

Maurice Hjert (Chairperson), Purchanmone, Oldcastle, Co. Meath A82 R6X8

3 copies of the application form and letter must be included and applications must be received by 3 pm on Thursday, June 4th 2026.

Canvassing by or on behalf of the candidate will automatically disqualify.

Shortlisting will apply, and only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview by email.