Top awards for County Derry schools

County Derry schools have been recognised for their exemplary efforts in the last year at the Families First Awards.

Three schools secured overall winners awards and County Derry awards were also given out at a ceremony, held on May 20 in Belfast.

Limavady Grammar School won the overall award for best school in the North while Rossmar School, also in Limavady, won Special School of the Year.

St Patrick's College in Dungiven won best school in the County Derry category.

St Patrick's College Teacher Mr Kelly won two awards. He was given the County Derry Teacher of the Year Award and the Special Recognition GEM Award for 'going the extra mile'.

Principal of St Patrick's College, Mrs Scullion, was delighted with the awards.

“What an amazing experience we shared at the Families First Awards in Belfast winning 'Co Derry School of the Year 2023',” she said.

“It was an honour to be nominated and have the opportunity to represent our school and wider community but so special to have won and accept the 'School of the Year' award on behalf of all staff, pupils and parents, the support received was overwhelming and we are so grateful for the families and children that we serve.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our nomination and submitted comments to the judges. It was so lovely to hear some of them read out and shared with the audience.

She went on to congratulate Mr Kelly on his award.

“It was such a pleasure to watch Mr. Raymond Kelly be recognised for his contribution to our school and his positive impact on our young people through his teaching, music, pastoral and personal engagements.

“The comments of support over recent weeks have meant a great deal to him and the awards he received last night were a fitting confirmation of what we all know about him, congratulations Mr Kelly,” she said.

Also nominated for best teacher were Irene McCann of St Pius X High School, Lynn Kelly of St Mary's, College Derry and Michelle Belaid of St Colm's High School.

Other County Derry schools nominated for the county award were: Sperrin Integrated College, St Colm's High School, Limavady High School, St Mary's College, Coleraine College, St Pius X College, St Cecilia's College and Limavady Grammar School.

A representative of Limavady Grammar School posted on Facebook thanking their 'school community' for their help throughout the year.

“We were delighted to win Best School in Northern Ireland at the Families First Awards last night in Belfast,” they said.

“The judges were impressed by the wrap-around pastoral care, vast range of opportunity and high quality of teaching and learning that enables our pupils to achieve highly.

“The inclusive and integrated nature of our school was recognised and celebrated. Thank you to all our school community who contributed towards this award.”