We are named gold award winner at education ‘Oscars’ receives accolade on The One Show.

A Belfast primary school has been named as a gold award winner in the education ‘Oscars’.

St Oliver Plunkett PS received its Pearson National Teaching Award in front of millions of TV viewers on BBC’s The One Show.

The school was named the Making a Difference Primary School of the Year for its “unwavering commitment to its students and the wider school community”.

Eve Bremner, chief executive of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), said the honour was a wonderful recognition for the hard work and commitment from staff at the school.

“Inclusivity is at the heart of Catholic maintained schools’ ethos and St Oliver Plunkett PS is a great example of how our schools develop and care for all children; as well as engage with the wider community, other schools and organisations,” she said.

“I am grateful to the school for all they have achieved, despite the many pressures facing education in Northern Ireland, and wish them every continued success.”

Judges were impressed with the way the school prides itself on embracing pupils coming from all social and economic backgrounds, not only delivering a 21st century curriculum utilising current technology, but also by tapping into numerous Northern Ireland sporting bodies and music classes.

Support extends to the wider community through partnerships with local groups and charities which has led them to being recognised by the Alzheimer’s Association as a Dementia-Friendly School.

Sara Long, chief executive of the Education Authority, added: “This award is testament to the school’s dedication and commitment to its pupils and the wider school community, and a reflection of the real impact teaching has on the lives and education of our young people.

“I also congratulate all of the silver winners from across Northern Ireland who are representative of the tremendous work all of our staff do in delivering better outcomes for children, despite the many challenges facing the education sector.”

During a week-long celebration honouring inspirational educators across the country, BBC’s The One Show is announcing seven of 16 gold award winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards to shine a light on their amazing achievements.

On Saturday November 25th, the awards ceremony, known as the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession, was hosted by presenter and radio broadcaster Gaby Roslin in London. The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration that honours the outstanding achievements of educators. Mr Mc Cabe, Mrs Roche, Mrs O Keefe, Mrs Kelly and Mrs Kavanagh were lucky enough to attend and accept the award.