Maghera teacher 'overwhelmed' by top teaching award

Ciara Mulholland, pictured with singer Ryan McMullan and The One Show presenter Ryan Hand, has been recognised for her "outstanding contribution"

A teacher from Maghera, in County Londonderry, has said it is an "honour" to get a special award for teaching.

Ciara Mulholland, from Saint Patrick’s College in Maghera, has been recognised as the Pearson National Teaching Winner of the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year 2024.

Ms Mullholland, who qualified as a teacher two and a half years ago, said she was "totally overwhelmed" to have won the award.

It was announced on Tuesday evening's BBC The One Show, ahead of an awards ceremony this weekend.

'We have the best school'

Speaking on the show, Ms Mullholland said: "This is amazing. I am so, so lucky. We have the best school, the best staff, the best pupils, we have the best community. This is an absolute honour."

Ms Mulholland was recognised for her role in helping to encourage young girls to study science, technology, engineering and maths (known as Stem subjects), as well as running a popular after-school Science club.

Selected from thousands of nominees, the award acknowledges her exceptional contribution to students and to the wider community.

She told the show she had been inspired by other teachers to enter into the profession and work in her old school.

Grainné Hughes, who used to teach her and is now her colleague, nominated her.

"She is the complete package.

"Ciara lights up in her pupils' presence and they certainly light up in hers," she told the BBC.

One of her pupils told the show she made science "fun" and made it easy to learn.

Head teacher Katrina Crilly said she was an "outstanding" teacher.

Ms Mulholland also helps train the school's Camogie team

Alongside her work in the classroom, Ms Mulholland also helps train the senior Camogie team, which she used to captain, who reached the All-Ireland finals in 2023, and volunteers at the local primary school’s Stem programme.

She supports the school’s study skills programme, as well as running a popular after-school Science club.

Ms Mulholland learned of her award win during a visit from The One Show’s Ryan Hand.

He enlisted the help of her family, colleagues, camogie team and former teammates to surprise her with the award.

The programme also included a surprise performance from one of her favourite singers Ryan McMullan.

The Pearson Awards were founded in 1998 to celebrate excellence in UK education and showcasing commitment to changing the lives of children through learning.

Run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearsons, the awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

The remaining winners will be announced at a special ceremony in London and also revealed across the week on The One Show.