Teacher named NQT of the Year

Wilberforce Primary Academy is celebrating after it won two awards at United Learning’s national ‘Best In Everyone’ Primary School Awards. Mohamed Ouahil won the Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the Year 5-6 category and teacher Connie McKinney won the NQT of the Year Award.

Mohamed won the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for the excellent progress he has made in his short time at Wilberforce Primary. Mohamed arrived last January speaking only two words of English but is now working at the same age-related expectations as his peers.

Mohamed and Connie were given their awards at the Primary Best in Everyone Award Ceremony which was held on Friday 23rd June at the House of Lords. Earlier in the day they had joined the other award winners for a ride on an open-top bus where they took in the London sights.

Wilberforce Primary Head Teacher Claire Macfie said:

“We are absolutely delighted for Connie and Mohamed. This is a fabulous day – for them and for the school – and we are very proud of them both.

“Mohamed arrived at Wilberforce last January speaking only two words of English. His rapid and accelerated progress is testament to his hard work and his determination to succeed. He has a very competitive streak too and we are sure this has helped him to make such impressive progress. In addition, he is well mannered and he will go out of his way to help anyone. He is a real credit to his family and such a good role model to the other children in school.

“Connie completed her training with United Learning last year and we were thrilled to have her stay with us as an NQT. She is an inspiration in the classroom; she teaches exciting and engaging lessons, her children make good progress and she makes a significant contribution to the wider life of the school. Everyone loves being in Connie's class – adults and children alike. She has a fabulous career ahead of her and we consider ourselves very lucky to have her.”

Mohamed Ouahil said:

“I am really pleased I have won this award. I want to get a better life and I know I can do that by being at school.”

Connie McKinney said:

“I am really honoured to have been nominated let alone receive this award. Our children and staff make each day at work enjoyable. I am really happy to have completed my training and NQT year with United Learning and I am looking forward to my future with the Group.”