Golden celebrations after staff at Derry college receive top award

A Derry school is celebrating after it received a prestigious award for the performance of its staff.

St Cecilia's College was presented the 'Gold Standard' from 'Investors in People' by Education Minister Peter Weir.

The Bligh’s Lane school impressed the judges with how they recognised and reinforced the many successes of their pupils.

Investors in People carried out a comprehensive audit of the college which was set into ten categories including business strategy, leadership and management, continuous improvement and performance management.

The company also carried out extensive interviews with staff on all levels throughout the school.

The assessors felt the school’s motto of 'Aspire, endeavour, achieve' encapsulated its positive culture and philosophy.

St Cecilia's was also praised for aligning it's curriculum to the needs of the local industry, such as the inclusion of coding, software development and engineering.

A spokesperson for Investors in People said: "From the board of governors, principal and the rest of the staff emphasis is placed on hard work, dedication and commitment with the aim of continuously improving the school.

"All feel valued and appreciated.

"There is a strong sense of a team all working for the same cause, all working in unison,and in the same direction."

St Cecilia's is now working towards an 'Investors in Pupils' Award from the same awards body.

Photo shows Head Girl Emma McGilloway receiving the "Investors in People" award from Education Minister Peter Weir. Included are Mayor Ald Hilary McClintock, Martine Mulhern, principal, and pupils. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)