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King's Birthday Honours 2026 - Recognising Outstanding Contribution to Controlled Education in Northern Ireland
The Controlled Schools' Support Council warmly congratulates the five individuals from the controlled sector who have been honoured in the King's Birthday Honours 2026. Each has made an outstanding contribution to education in Northern Ireland, through decades of dedicated service, transformative leadership, and tireless voluntary commitment. Their recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to acknowledge their achievements.
Professor John Anderson MBE. For voluntary services to Education and to the community in Northern Ireland.
John Anderson brings nearly five decades of professional and voluntary contribution to education in Northern Ireland and across the UK. After 35 years with the Education and Training Inspectorate, John continues to make a difference across the controlled sector as Council member of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council. He chairs the Innovation Forum and the NI ICT Excellence Awards judging panel, serves on the Education Authority's EdIS Programme Board, and was appointed to NI Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in January 2025. As a Visiting Professor at Ulster University, he bridges research with policy, and his work has reached education ministries across Europe, the USA, Jordan, South Africa, and Japan.
Mr Brian Duff MBE, Lately Principal, Carnmoney Primary School, Newtownabbey. For services to Education in Newtownabbey.
Brian Duff has dedicated 36 years to primary education in Northern Ireland, the last 25 in Newtownabbey. Progressing from teacher to Vice-Principal at Carnmoney (1996–2001), Principal at Ballyhenry (2001–2006), then returning to Carnmoney as Principal in 2006, he contributed to 'Every School a Good School' and mentors first time Principals.
Mr David Francis Heggarty MBE, Principal, Cregagh Primary School and Deaf Unit. For services to Education in Northern Ireland.
David Heggarty is Principal of Cregagh Primary School, having attended it himself before returning as a teacher in 1999. He began his teaching career at Blackmountain Primary and Avoniel Primary before joining Cregagh Primary School, where he was appointed Vice-Principal in 2010 and later Principal. With nearly 30 years connected to Cregagh Primary School as pupil, teacher, and Principal, he brings commitment and continuity to the community.
Mr David Andrew Radcliffe MBE. For services to Education and to the community in Coleraine, Co Londonderry.
David Radcliffe served as Principal of Harpur's Hill Primary School in Coleraine for 23 years, during which the school received the prestigious Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award from Nurture UK in 2024. David was recognised as Inspirational Educator of the Year at the Causeway Coast and Glens People of the Year Awards in 2018. Following retirement, he is now an Associate Principal.
Mrs Audrey Moore BEM, Chair, Friends of Rossmar School. For voluntary services to Special Education.
Audrey Moore serves as both a Classroom Assistant at Rossmar School and Chair of its Friends association. Alongside her professional duties, she has volunteered significant time securing funding and organising fundraising activities on behalf of the school.
17 June 2026