Pearson National Teaching Award for Derrygonnelly Primary School headteacher

Mr Stewart was presented with a silver win in The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support. The award was in recognition for outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children he works with every day and transforming the school over a two year period.

Mr Blaine Stewart, Principal, Derrygonnelly Primary School commented,

“Thank you for the nomination and support. I would like to dedicate it to all those who returned my calls, emails and messages. For opening your doors and windows for a conversation. Those who picked up all manner of tools. Everyone that pulled together to keep us looking forward, in the midst of it all.

“The transformation of the school grounds has made such a difference to the lives of our children and will do for many years to come. According to an African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, that village over the past two years has been Derrygonnelly! Thank you!”

Mr Stewart has now been shortlisted to win one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC.

6 July 2021