Families First NI Education Awards
February, 7th, 2020 | Titanic Belfast
THE FAMILIES FIRST NI EDUCATION AWARDS promise to be a night filled with pride and honour. A full evening offering gourmet food, a ceremony showcasing the best within the family industry, and dancing into the night.
Our finalists are listed below. All comments have been submitted and winners will be announced at the event. A big thank you to everyone who took time to leave a comment, almost 13,000 were submitted.
County Antrim - Best School
Carniny Primary SchoolCarniny Primary School is situated on a picturesque site on the outskirts of Ballymena and have 291 pupils on roll aged 4-11. ...
William Pinkerton Memorial Primary SchoolOur school is a school at the heart of the community with the community at its heart. Every child matters, every family ...
Silverstream Primary School and Nursery UnitSilverstream Primary School and Nursery Unit is located in Greenisland which provides education to 156 wonderful pupils. The ...
Rathcoole Primary SchoolRathcoole PS and Nu is a controlled primary school in the estate of Rathcoole with 155 children in our care. We are a ...
Linn Primary SchoolThe staff at Linn Primary School is committed to developing teaching and learning and will follow the steps identified in this ...
Kilmoyle Primary SchoolKilmoyle Primary School and Nursery is a rural school with dedicated and committed staff and a welcoming and secure ...
Hollybank Primary SchoolHollybank Primary School is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, so this nomination by our parents has been an extra ...
Harryville Primary SchoolHarryville Primary School promotes a positive nurturing environment for all pupils and their families. Each child is loved and ...
Garryduff Primary SchoolGarryduff Primary School is a small rural, country Primary School outside Ballymoney with children attending from the ...
Eden Primary SchoolAt Eden Primary School we aim to create a calm and caring environment where everyone and specifically each child will be ...
Dunseverick Primary SchoolDunseverick is number one, We make learning relevant, interesting and fun, Everyone is part of a big family in school Staff ...
Carnmoney Primary SchoolCarnmoney Primary is a school of 401 pupils located in the heart of Carnmoney village. Initially, a country school dating back ...
Bushvalley Primary SchoolBushvalley Primary School is a warm, welcoming and friendly school at the heart of the local community. Bushvalley is ...
County Antrim - Best Head Teacher
Elaine Loughran – Mercy Primary SchoolI have been a Principal at Mercy Primary for 6 years. As a young girl I dreamed about being a teacher but never would I have ...
Maria Quinn – Abbey Community CollegeMy own school experiences inspired me to become a teacher. I am privileged to have the opportunity to make a difference to the ...
Andrea Duff – Linn Primary SchoolI’m Andrea and I’ve been Principal of Linn Primary School for almost 12 years. I love my job and that is ...
Mr Massey – Glengormley High SchoolHaving worked as a retail manager for 10 years, I trained as a teacher and have enjoyed 15 amazing years working with young ...
Avril Wilson – Silverstream Primary SchoolI have been teaching since 2006 with a majority of my time in special education. I moved to Silverstream Primary School last ...
Mrs Meikle – Harryville Primary SchoolMrs Meikle is always thinking about and planning ways of improving learning and everyday life for all that come through the ...
Emma Loughridge – Eden Primary SchoolEmma has been teaching for twenty years and loves her job, no two days are the same and teaching Primary 1 always makes her ...
Emma Clarke – Wheatfield Primary SchoolHello, I’m Emma, I am 29 and from Belfast. I have been working in Wheatfield for almost 4 years and have been Acting Principal ...
Alex Tannahill – Garryduff Primary SchoolI am in my 19th year of teaching. I have always taught in a small rural school and just love the family atmosphere where I ...
County Antrim - Best Teacher
Ian Somerville – Carniny Primary SchoolI have been teaching in Carniny Primary School for the past 3 years. I teach a Primary 7 class currently and my role as Vice ...
Amy Lennox – Linn Primary SchoolHi! I’m Amy, a primary four teacher in Linn Primary school. I’m married to Simon and we’re expecting our first baby in ...
Tracy Rea – St. Gerards Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
Rosemary Cochrane – Garryduff Primary SchoolI have been teaching for 22 years. I see it as such a privilege to support and educate children. I pride myself in my ...
Miss Jacqui Galbraith – William Pinkerton Primary SchoolI have been teaching for the past 30 years and I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. I feel so privileged that God called ...
Nicole Allen – Eden Primary SchoolNicole has been teaching for four years and loves teaching Primary 1. She is the School Council leader within school and also ...
Maria McVeigh – St. Gerards Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
Lynn Bannon – Carnmoney Primary SchoolFor 26 years I have devoted my heart and soul to pupils in my care, educationally and pastorally with the love and care that I ...
Joan Blain – Carnmoney Primary SchoolHaving fulfilled my dream to teach, I feel privileged that parents entrust me with their children at such an important stage ...
Caron Johnston – Linn Primary SchoolHaving been inspired to enter the teaching profession by both of my parents who were teachers, I have now been teaching for 5 ...
Caroline Phelan – Carnmoney Primary SchoolI love teaching. Teaching is the best job. There are so many enjoyable and fulfilling moments. I have taught Primary Seven for ...
County Antrim - Best Complementary Staff
Jacqueline Topping – Abbey Community CollegeAfter my previous life as a Bank Manager I changed my role to become a Behavioural Support Assistant and that has been one of ...
Mrs Hall – Eden Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
Jayson Paisley – Linn Primary SchoolMy name is Jayson paisley, I have 2 awesome, funny, helpful and loving kids, Andrew 17 and Holly 11, Andrew is in the middle ...
County Armagh - Best School
Tullygally Primary SchoolTullygally is an amazing Primary School where all children irrelevant of their needs and backgrounds come together to share a ...
Tandragee Primary SchoolTandragee PS is a naturally integrated, rural primary school that serves the town and surrounding area of Tandragee. We have ...
St. John The Baptist CollegeSJBC is a new and rapidly growing all-ability school that enjoys a very rich and diverse student population. The SJBC team ...
Maghaberry Primary SchoolMaghaberry Primary School is a popular and successful school in County Armagh. We are extremely proud of our children and the ...
Brookfield SchoolBrookfield School is a school for children with special and complex needs and is celebrating 50th birthday in 2020.We ...
Birches Primary SchoolAt Birches Primary School we are committed to inspiring a love of learning through stimulating and engaging opportunities ...
County Armagh - Best Head Teacher
Kirsty Andrews – Tullygally Primary SchoolI have worked in Tullygally Primary School now for 17 years. It has been a pleasure to get to know each and every one of the ...
Noella Murray – St. John the Baptist CollegeSince a very young age I have always wanted to be a teacher. I feel privileged to work with a talented and very dedicated team ...
Mr Gault – Maghaberry Primary SchoolGraham works hard to ensure that the ethos of Maghaberry Primary is centred on love for the children, and the school is ...
David McCollam – Tandragee Primary SchoolI have been involved in education for over 27 years, in three wonderful schools namely Strandtown PS, Carryduff PS and in 2009 ...
Barbara Spence – Brookfield SchoolMy name is Barbara Spence and I have been at Brookfield School for over 23 years. I taught in KS2 for 17 of those years and ...
County Armagh - Best Teacher
Mrs McLelland – Birches Primary SchoolI have been teaching for fourteen years, leaving a successful career to pursue my vocation. I love my job and how it allows me ...
Margaret Hannigan – Brookfield SchoolMy teaching career to date has spanned 34 years. During this time I have had the good fortune to teach in a variety of school ...
Mrs Black – Maghaberry Primary SchoolSince Susan joined the staff at Maghaberry Primary she has worked to increase the voice of the children, beyond the classroom. ...
Claire Crawford – Tandragee Primary SchoolI’ve been a teacher for almost 16 years. I love working with children and celebrating their successes. I am privileged ...
County Armagh - Best Complementary Staff
Mrs Barrington – Maghaberry Primary SchoolMelinda has been involved with Maghaberry Primary for many years, as a parent, a volunteer and a classroom assistant. Melinda ...
Anita McKenna – Brookfield SchoolI am humbled to have been nominated as a finalist in this years awards. My desire has always been to support and nurture ...
Carol Minish – Tandragee Primary SchoolMrs Minish has been a long serving and wonderful member of the Tandragee School community. Carol has been a supportive parent, ...
County Down - Best School
St. Joseph’s Primary SchoolSt Joseph’s PS is a nurturing, inclusive small community school in Crossgar which has significantly grown. Our child led ...
West Winds Primary SchoolWest Winds Primary is a nurturing school at the heart of the community; parents and community groups support the school’s ...
St. Colmcille’s Primary SchoolAt St Colmcille’s P.S. and Learning Support Centres, we firmly believe in putting the children first and enabling each and ...
Castle Gardens Primary SchoolOur school mission statement, “Building Together for the Future” reflects our belief that there needs to be a strong ...
St. Ronan’s Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
County Down - Best Head Teacher
Dr Atkinson – Beechlawn SchoolI’ve been blessed to be Principal of a wonderful school, Beechlawn. Our goal is to ensure all children feel safe, happy and ...
Siobhan McArdle – St. Joseph’s Primary SchoolI have been teaching in St Joseph’s for 24 years and have been the principal for 5 years. After being employed as a young ...
Marianne Dempsey – St. Colmcille’s Primary SchoolI have dedicated 20 years of my career to the children, staff and families at St Colmcille’s and they make my job a pleasure. ...
Mr Donaghy – St. Ronan’s Primary SchoolWithin St Ronan’s PS we seek to ensure that every child fulfils their potential. We support children who encounter barriers to ...
County Down - Best Teacher
Caolán Byrne – St. Ronan’s Primary SchoolI hope to be that teacher that students will fondly remember when they are older: someone who never gave up on them. Children ...
K Adair – St. Colmcille’s Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
Jolene Cousins – St. Joseph’s Primary SchoolI have taught in Australia and am now very settled in a permanent post in St Joseph’s PS, Crossgar, where I have been ...
Andrew Scott – Dromore Central Primary SchoolMy name is Andrew Scott, I’m 29 years old, and I’m a P1 teacher at Dromore Central Primary School. I have always wanted to be ...
County Down - Best Complementary Staff
The Sixth Form Team – Beechlawn SchoolOur Sixth form department is a young person centred environment that promotes a positive learning experience, the department ...
Nicola Small – St. Joseph’s Primary SchoolI have been working in St Joseph’s Primary school as a special needs classroom assistant for the past 3 years. I find my job ...
Belfast - Best School
Mercy Primary SchoolWe are delighted to be nominated by our wonderful families for an award which is very close to our hearts. Our children ...
Wheatfield Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
St. Joseph’s Primary SchoolSt. Joseph’s P.S. Slate St. is an inner city primary school, set just off the Grosvenor Road in Belfast. It has 301 treasured ...
Rosetta Primary SchoolOur motto is ‘Nurturing and inspiring every child towards success.’ We do this by giving the children the skills and knowledge ...
Holy Trinity Primary SchoolHoly Trinity is an innovative school, committed to working in partnership with the whole school community to provide a high ...
County Tyrone - Best School
McClintock Primary SchoolMcClintock Primary School is very proud of its Ulster-Scots heritage and is situated in the historic village of Seskinore in ...
Omagh Integrated Primary SchoolOmagh Integrated Primary School & Nursery is a grant maintained Integrated Primary, catering for children between 4 and 11 ...
St. Mary’sSt Mary’s Primary School is a welcoming, child centred school and a community of good practice, where all feel valued and ...
St. Catherine’s Primary SchoolOur School has a family atmosphere where emphasis is placed on forging strong, positive relationships between pupils, parents, ...
Sperrinview Special SchoolSperrinview Special School provides an all-round education for those pupils with severe and/or profound learning difficulties, ...
Sion Mills Primary SchoolSion Mills P.S. is a middle-sized school of a mixed nature. The school has served its community since the 1850s when it was ...
St. Oliver Plunkett Primary SchoolOur school is located in the village of Beragh in West Tyrone. We are a caring school where the whole school community shares ...
Laghey Primary SchoolLaghey PS currently is a small, rural school just in the village of Killyman, Dungannon. It has tripled in size since I ...
Donemana Primary SchoolWe are a rural school with 108 amazing pupils. We have a superb staff team working exceptionally hard at all times for our ...
Coagh Primary SchoolCoagh Primary School is a small but growing and evolving Primary School of 110 pupils providing high quality education and ...
County Tyrone - Best Head Teacher
Paula Jordan – Sperrinview SchoolMiss Paula Jordan has been teaching for 33 years and has been Principal in Sperrinview for the last fifteen years. She is ...
Páraic Martin – St. Oliver Plunkett Primary SchoolHaving recently been appointed to the role of Principal in St Oliver Plunkett PS Beragh, I feel very privileged to be part of ...
Sam Dennison – McClintock Primary SchoolI’m privileged to be the Principal of such a wonderful school. All the Staff and Board of Governors work tirelessly for the ...
Siobhain Coleman – Laghey Primary SchoolLaghey PS currently is a small, rural school just in the village of Killyman, Dungannon. It has tripled in size since I ...
Mrs Gillian Hay – Donemana Primary SchoolThis is my 10th year as Principal of DPS and I endeavour at all times to help our school go from strength to strength. I ...
Ivor Bayne – Coagh Primary SchoolDevoted dad to Lucy and Harry and loving husband to Louise. I enjoy watching sports particularly the mighty Middlesbrough! ...
Bridget Wilders – St. Catherine’s Primary SchoolI am a very proud, local Strabane girl who has been educated in the town itself in the early years and I am now so fortunate ...
County Tyrone - Best Teacher
Ruth Walker – Sperrinview SchoolMs Ruth Walker has been teaching for twenty-six years, the last twenty of which have been in Sperrinview. She has been Vice ...
Mary Buchanan – Sperrinview SchoolMiss Mary Buchanan hails originally from New Zealand. She has been teaching for over eighteen years, and has been teaching in ...
Danny McBride – St. Mary’sAs a former pupil who benefited so much from an excellent education at St Mary’s Primary School Melmount, I feel privileged to ...
Mrs Timoney – Donemana Primary SchoolCathy has been teaching for 7 years, 5 of them in DPS. She is creative, enthusiastic and always tries to give the best to, ...
Mrs O’Kane – St. Catherine’s Primary SchoolFrom a very young age, I was blessed with positive learning experiences, memories and opportunities in education. There was ...
Geraldine Breen – Laghey Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
Gavin Wylie – Laghey Primary SchoolInformation to follow. ...
County Tyrone - Best Complementary Staff
Hazel McCammon – Sperrinview SchoolMrs Hazel McCammon has worked in Education for seventeen years, the last five of which have been in Sperrinview. Mrs McCammon ...
Margaret Boyle – St. Mary’sMargaret has been a Special Needs Classroom Assistant for 12 years. Her experience, expertise, creativity and commitment to ...
Laura Pierce – Sion Mills Primary SchoolMrs Laura Pierce has been a Special Needs Classroom Assistant for sixteen years. Her skill and expertise in managing children ...
Alex Parkhill – Donemana Primary SchoolFor 18 years Alex has worked 1-1 with children with additional needs. She has contributed enormously to their social and ...
Best Secondary School
Beechlawn SchoolWhat makes our school the best? Let’s find out from our pupils, for Bernard it was our ‘amazing Breakfast Club’, whilst ...
Glengormley High SchoolGlengormley High School exists to serve our community, enhance the lives of our children, develop confidence and self-belief, ...
Abbey Community CollegeAbbey Community College has the aspirational motto of ‘Believe, Achieve, Succeed’ at the heart of all school life. Our child ...
Best Secondary School Teacher
Allison Bloxsom – Carrickfergus AcademyA colleague and a friend to staff and advocate for all our SEN pupils. Allison is compassionate, empathetic and supportive of ...
Maggie Doherty – Carrickfergus AcademyMaggie Doherty is an invaluable part of the SEN team in Carrickfergus Academy. She would do anything for you, is fiercely ...
Lynda Shannon – Carrickfergus AcademyLynda Shannon is an RE teacher with a sense of humour, love, patience and understanding. An amazing teacher who always has ...
David Jackson – Glengormley High SchoolI have been teaching for 23 years, the past 22 years of my career in Glengormley High School. I thoroughly enjoy teaching ...
Paul Clarke – Glengormley High SchoolI am a past pupil of GHS. I taught in Parkhall College for 2 years. I felt so passionate about my old school, that I had to ...
Michael Ewart – Glengormley High SchoolI have been an English and Media teacher for fourteen years and a Head of Year for three years. I love guiding pupils to ...
Lynn Kerr – Glengormley High SchoolThrough my role as SENCo, to advocate for our pupils with Special Educational Needs on a daily basis is my dream job! I have ...
Louise Fox – Glengormley High SchoolTeaching for 10 years and the best part is inspiring young people to believe that they too are good enough to achieve success; ...
Gary Coey – Glengormley High SchoolI have been teaching for 14 years and really enjoy working with young people to help equip and enable them to become ready for ...
Estelle Sharpe – Glengormley High SchoolI have been teaching Maths in Glengormley High School for 13 years and I have been Head of Maths for the past three years. I ...
Christina Mullan – Glengormley High SchoolI have been teaching for 5 years and have spent my whole career in Glengormley High. I love teaching because every day I get ...
Amy Mulholland – Glengormley High SchoolI have been teaching for 3 years. In this short time I have been welcomed into the family of Glengormley High School, and have ...
Gold Star Awards
St. Mary’s Primary School, StrabaneInformation to follow. ...
L Myres – Strathearn SchoolInformation to follow. ...
St. Mary’s Primary School, CastlewellanInformation to follow. ...
Skilled For SuccessSkilled for Success is a partnership programme with St Teresa’s Youth Centre and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The ...
Gorran Primary SchoolGorran is a vibrant school community that has the children at the heart of everything. We believe that children learn best ...
Miss Danielle Wallace & Miss Victoria Simpson – Carnmoney AfterschoolWe have assisted with CK club since its launch and now have the privilege of managing it. We pride ourselves in creating an ...
Maureen Stockman – Wheatfield Primary SchoolHiya, I’m Maureen. I have worked in Wheatfield for over 30 years and live locally too. I know all our families who come ...
County L/Derry - Best School
St. Peters & St Pauls ForeglenAll of our staff, families and the whole of the community come together in partnership to ensure that every single one of our ...
Steelstown Primary SchoolSteelstown P.S. first opened its doors in April 1972. It serves the community well and provides all the children with the best ...
St. Patrick’s College, MagheraInformation to follow. ...
Rossmar SchoolRossmar is a controlled special school providing specialist Nursery, Primary, Post Primary and post 16 education for pupils ...
Roe Valley Primary SchoolRoe Valley is an integrated primary school, which welcomes children from all backgrounds regardless of creed, race, gender or ...
Ebrington Primary School & Nursery Unit‘Ebrington Primary School & Nursery Unit has a long and proud history stretching back to the foundation of the ...
Castledawson Primary SchoolCastledawson Primary School is a special place, full of learning, laughter and love. As a nurturing school, our pupils and ...
Kilrea Primary SchoolK – Knowledge, I – Independence, L – Love of Learning, R – Responsibility, E – Experience, A – Ability We are delighted our ...
County L/Derry - Best Head Teacher
Mr Guthrie – Ebrington Primary SchoolMy name is Brian Guthrie. I am very proud to be the principal of #TeamEbrington. As a school, we have enjoyed a wide range of ...
Siobhan Gillen – Steelstown Primary SchoolI was one of the first pupils enrolled in Steelstown Primary School and I am very honoured to be Principal. We have an amazing ...
Caroline Clements – Rossmar Special SchoolCaroline since being selected as principal of Rossmar school and commenced in September 2017 has introduced a forward thinking ...
Karen Stinson – Kilrea Primary SchoolTeaching is a career I love and have been doing for over 25 years. I love learning and that’s what I share that with the ...
County L/Derry - Best Teacher
Mrs Lindsay – Ebrington Primary SchoolI have been teaching in Ebrington Primary School for the last 8 years but have worked within the field of Education for the ...
Miss Caithness – Ebrington Primary SchoolI have been teaching the Nursery children of Ebrington Primary School and Nursery Unit for 7 years. I love, cherish and ...
Mrs Pentland – Ebrington Primary SchoolTeaching since 1995 I have loved every day, preparing, learning and encouraging children to believe and achieve to the best of ...
Mrs Butcher – Ebrington Primary SchoolI’m Gael Butcher, when I’m not working in school, I’m a busy mum to 3 even busier children! My taxi is always on the road, ...
Mrs Irwin – Ebrington Primary SchoolAlthough 50+, I’m young at heart, and married to my husband Mark with whom I have 2 adult children that I love very much. I’ve ...
Mrs Baggley – Ebrington Primary SchoolAs a pupil at Ebrington Primary School I expressed my wish to one day return there as a teacher. This came true in 1996 and I ...
Mr Moore – Ebrington Primary SchoolMy name is Jonathan Moore. I am an extremely passionate and dedicated Primary School teacher, who is a very proud member of ...
Miss McIntyre – Steelstown Primary SchoolI endeavour to make each day a fun filled learning experience for the children. I challenge them to stretch themselves in ...
Francine Walls – St Patrick’s College, Maghera.I am an extremely proud teacher and past pupil of St Patrick’s College, Maghera. During my 24 years as a teacher in St ...
Colm Lavery – St. Patrick’s CollegeInformation to follow. ...
County L/Derry - Best Complementary Staff
Jane – Kilrea Primary SchoolJane has been caretaker in Kilrea PS for 35 years. She creates a warm, welcoming environment for everyone and has been ...
Mrs Brown – Ebrington Primary SchoolI have been working in Ebrington Primary School for 20 years. I have worked as a Learning Support Assistant with the ...
Miss McCallion – Steelstown Primary SchoolBeing nominated for this award is a massive boost to my confidence. I love working in a school environment and the feeling of ...
Heather Bell – Ebrington Primary SchoolI have been an employee of Ebrington Primary School for 6 years. I love school life and the buzz and busyness of it all! ...
County Fermanagh - Best School
St. John the Baptist Primary SchoolSt John the Baptist PS, Roscor is a small rural primary school with just under 50 pupils who have been serving this community ...
Tattygar Primary SchoolTattygar Primary School is a small school where big things happen. Our work is centred on promoting learning, fun and ...
County Fermanagh - Best Head Teacher
Marie O’Shea – St. John the Baptist Primary SchoolMarie O’Shea has been teaching for over 20 years and has been Principal of St John the Baptist PS for 15 years. She celebrates ...
County Fermanagh - Best Teacher
Adrienne Neely – Moat Primary SchoolI have been teaching for 27 years, 20 of which have been in the Moat Primary School. I am privileged to work alongside ...
Aisling Sinclair – St. John the Baptist Primary SchoolAisling Sinclair has been working in St John the Baptist PS for 4 years and she is always in such a great mood. Her happy and ...
County Fermanagh - Best Complementary Staff
Mona McPhilomey – St. John the Baptist Primary SchoolMona McPhilomey is a Classroom Assistant in St John the Baptist PS, Roscor. Mona works in every classroom in our school and so ...
Cathy McManus – St. John the Baptist Primary SchoolCathy is the School Secretary and Midday supervisor at St John the Baptist PS, Roscor. She is the linchpin of the whole school ...