Eugene is a top teacher!

Eugene Mullan, from St. Brigid's Primary School, Cloughmills, won the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year award.

Eugene Mullan of St Brigids Primary School, Ballymena has won the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) Outstanding New Teacher of the Year regional award in Northern Ireland.

Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust said: 'We are delighted to award Eugene as this year's Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Outstanding New Teacher of the Year in Northern Ireland. He is a talented teacher whose hard work, enthusiasm and commitment are an inspiration to his students and colleagues.

'These awards highlight the excellent practice that is taking place across Northern Ireland and show us that through nurturing the talent of new teachers we are developing the great school leaders of the future.'

Winning headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, governors, sustainable schools and school teams each received a Plato, the Teaching Awards symbol of excellence in education. Other finalists were rewarded with a distinction or commendation and an engraved glass award.

All were cheered on by a 250 - strong audience, including pupils, parents and colleagues at The Waterfront Hall, Belfast. The ceremony was hosted by BBC TV presenter Donna Traynor.

This year the Teaching Awards had more than 9,200 nominations which is a record number. Each and every one has been thanked for helping to change young lives.'

The winners from Northern Ireland will be joined by around 70 other plato champions from England, Scotland and Wales who all go forward to the UK star-studded Teaching Awards ceremony on Sunday 31st October. The celebration will be held at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and broadcast later that day on BBC2.