Slemish head gets top marks in Teaching Awards

His success in the Pearson Teaching Awards was announced at the College on Friday morning where staff and pupils gathered to celebrate with him.

Selected from over 24,000 nominations received by the Pearson Teaching Awards in 2013, 62 celebrations took place at school throughout the UK on Friday to present prestigious Regional Teaching Awards to outstanding local heroes of education.

The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam, they recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach.

Speaking about the award winning Slemish principal, his colleagues said: “Dr McHugh has been involved in the development of Slemish College since its inception and opening in 1996. A passionate advocate for Integrated education, he has worked tirelessly to provide a world class, innovative and caring school which provides opportunities for students of all abilities, religious identity and social backgrounds. “Through his own professional development and personal vision, he has promoted the close partnerships of parents, governors, staff and students - as well as developing a range of links and associations with partners agencies.

“His vision is of a world class school which is focused on high quality pastoral care, innovative teaching and learning, and promotion of an inclusive ethos provide the vision for Slemish College in the coming years”.

Dr McHugh will now join fellow winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards on October 20, filmed in London and broadcast by the BBC.