Derry school awarded two prestigious education honours

Not a school to rest on its laurels, the Model Primary School has been busy over the past few weeks picking up two awards – the Local Women Magazine Education Award 2025 for ‘Best SEN School of the Year’ as well as the Families First Award where teacher Mrs. Penny Cromie came away with ‘Best ASD Specialist Teacher.’

The lavish awards, held in the Europa Hotel and Titanic, Belfast were well received in the school with Mrs. Cromie and Mrs. Meghan Coyle making the journey to the capital to receive the Local Women award. This celebrated the remarkable achievements and tireless efforts of teachers and schools across Northern Ireland.

A week later, Mrs. Cromie, supported by Mrs Milligan, Mrs Coyle, Mrs O’Loughlin and Mrs Ramsey, then travelled to the Titanic to receive the ‘Best ASD Specialist Teacher’ award.

An ‘over-the-moon’ Learning Support Co-Ordinator at the Model said she was delighted and proud to have won!

‘I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award, not just for myself but for the Model Primary School!

‘I knew early on in my teaching career that I wanted to support the learning and development of children and young people who need extra support with their learning and development.’

Prior to her appointment at the Model, Mrs. Cromie taught in a range of educational settings including mainstream, special school and a learning support department in a post-primary school.

She continued: ‘I still remember reading the job description for the teaching position at the Model and feeling a sense of excitement and determination to be successful. The ethos of the class was very new and upon appointment in 2008 we were one of two schools to open an autism specific class in the Derry area.

‘Our class caters for children from Primary One to Primary Four and we strive to identify individual needs, adapt to each pupil, as well as creating a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment.’

Mrs. Cromie also praised the strong and supportive team of colleagues as well as the parents, who she is very thankful for.

‘In my new role as Learning Support Co-ordinator I look forward to supporting all pupils on our SEN register to make sure their school life is the best it can be through ensuring they have access to excellent resources to support high quality teaching and learning.’

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Also delighted, Model PS Principal, Mrs. Julie O’Loughlin said it was a great honour for the school to be credited with the two awards and praised the whole staff for their continued hard work and dedication.

‘These awards acknowledge the great team we have at The Model Primary School. They work together to provide the best learning opportunities for all children of all abilities, as well as working closely with parents and the wider school community.’