Castlewellan nursery school in running for prestigious award

Castlewellan nursery school in running for prestigious award

24 September 2025

A CASTLEWELLAN nursery school is in the running for national recognition.

The nursery unit at St Malachy’s Primary School has been shortlisted in the Early Years category in the Nursery World Awards, a prestigious awards celebrating the most outstanding nursery provisions in the UK.

The awards ceremony takes place in London on Saturday night and St Malachy’s is the only Northern Ireland school shortlisted for an award.

The judging panel have been following the school’s social media for the last year and as a result of their outstanding practice the school has been shortlisted with three schools from England. 

Principal Maurice O’Neill said being shortlisted was an “outstanding achievement”, for which the school was “very proud”.

“To be the only school from Northern Ireland recognised is a remarkable achievement, and  regardless of the outcome next Saturday, this nomination is one to be celebrated,” he said.

“The nomination reflects the tireless efforts of nursery teacher Mrs Willeen Mooney and her exceptional team – Mrs Laverty, Mrs Maginn and Miss O’Neill – whose commitment to nurturing and inspiring our youngest learners continues to set a shining example.”