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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has presented cycling proficiency certificates to pupils at Killean Primary School following their completion of the Cycling Proficiency Scheme.
The scheme, which is available to all primary and special schools, is a 12-lesson programme designed to help pupils develop their cycling skills, build confidence on the road and identify potential hazards. It is most suited to Years 6 and 7 and is generally undertaken as an after-school activity, with most lessons lasting one hour. Around 4,000 schoolchildren participated last year.
Minister Kimmins said: "Cycling is a great way to travel and improve health and I believe that children should learn of its many benefits and how to cycle safely from an early age."
She said she had committed £90,000 this financial year to deliver the scheme and welcomed the response from schools. "I am delighted that over 290 schools responded to express an interest in participating."
The Minister added: "The Cycling Proficiency scheme is a valuable tool to help prepare young people for making good road safety decisions while cycling. By committing this funding, participating schoolchildren can again learn the essential skills required to cycle safely and with confidence. They are taught how to carry out various manoeuvres, the importance of looking and listening while out cycling, as well as helmet and bicycle checks and the proper use of gears."
Pupil competence is measured either by continuous assessment or through a final test, depending on the preference of the school. The scheme is delivered by teachers, with the Department for Infrastructure providing resources, instructor training and support.
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A student from Southern Regional College's Newry campus has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Northern Ireland 2026 awards.
Aoife Rooney, 19, from Kilkeel, received the honour at the ceremony in Belfast last month.
Aoife is in the first year of her Business Level 5 Higher National Diploma Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) at SRC's Newry campus, combining her studies with work at Collins Aerospace. She was one of ten apprentices shortlisted for the award from across Northern Ireland. Also shortlisted was fellow SRC student Holly McCafferty from Newry, an Engineering Higher Level Apprentice who works with MJM Marine as part of her HLA programme.
Judges were impressed by Aoife's initiative, technical ability and professionalism, highlighting her proactive approach to problem-solving, including her introduction of digital tools and QR code systems to improve workplace processes and efficiency. The panel also commended her leadership potential and dedication to developing her skills within Northern Ireland's engineering and manufacturing sector.
Through her apprenticeship, Aoife has gained experience in manufacturing operations, developing an understanding of industry processes, quality requirements and accurate documentation. On a day-to-day basis she uses JIRA, a project and issue tracking software, and Jetstream, a manufacturing execution system that allows businesses to monitor, track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods.
As Aoife explains, these systems have given her the "opportunity to learn more about manufacturing processes and how important accurate documentation is within the industry."
On receiving the award, Aoife said: "Winning Apprentice of the Year feels amazing and I'm incredibly grateful to have been chosen for the award. I was already delighted to be shortlisted and have the opportunity to attend the event, so winning the award means a lot to me. I've genuinely enjoyed every minute of my higher level apprenticeship so far and would recommend this path to anyone considering it. Receiving this award makes all the hard work feel worthwhile and means the world to me."
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "Congratulations to Aoife on being recognised as Apprentice of the Year and to those recognised as finalists. Higher Level Apprenticeships are designed to develop talented individuals who can make an immediate impact in the workplace and build successful careers. Aoife's success at these awards demonstrates the impact of Higher Level Apprenticeships in making meaningful contributions to business organisations."
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A Newry woman with four decades of teaching behind her has been honoured at a major further education ceremony, with students and staff from Southern Regional College also picking up a string of awards on the night.
Una Fitzpatrick, an Associate Lecturer in Hairdressing at Southern Regional College, received the recognition award for her exceptional lifetime contributions to Further Education at the Further Education Excellence Awards, held at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown on Thursday 4 June.
A second lifetime contribution award was also presented to Technician Demonstrator Stephen McDowell, based at the college's Banbridge campus, who was unable to attend on the night.
The event, now in its second year, saw Northern Ireland's six further education colleges celebrate the accomplishments of students and staff. Almost 50 students were recognised on the evening, with categories covering the full range of learning pathways, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.
Among the Southern Regional College students honoured were Jack Walker and Leah McBride in the Entry Level Study category, Beauty Therapy student Ayda Murray for Excellence in a Traineeship Programme, and Media student Emily Bagnall for Advanced Learning. Electrotechnical apprentice Jonathan Gough received the Excellence in Apprenticeship Training award and is currently preparing to represent Northern Ireland and the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Engineering student Ross Graham received the Higher Level Apprenticeship Award, Sport and Exercise Honours Degree student Shana Murphy was recognised for Excellence in Higher Education, and Lynn Rees received the Lifelong Learning Award for achievements on the CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management.
Guests were welcomed by further education student Kate Grant, a model and advocate from Cookstown who made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down's syndrome to win an international beauty title.
The ceremony was opened by Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, Janis Scallon, who said the sector plays a vital role in economic and social progress.
Lee Campbell, Principal at Southern Regional College, said: "I am delighted to see our students recognised at these awards. From apprentices excelling on the national and international stage to learners achieving outstanding success in their chosen fields, their achievements reflect the talent, ambition and determination that exists across Southern Regional College."
Paying tribute to the two lifetime honourees, Campbell added: "It is a privilege to also recognise our colleagues Una and Stephen for their lifetime contribution to further education. Throughout their careers, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our learners and the values that underpin Southern Regional College. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion have positively impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the classroom."
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Two Newry students are among a team of Southern Regional College engineering students preparing to compete at Silverstone next month, after qualifying for the Concept Class of the Formula Student finals. Guilherme Passos and Fearghal Murphy, both from Newry, are part of the eight strong SRC team set to take part in the competition from 15 to 19 July 2026.
The SRC team has become the first from the Further Education sector to take part in Formula Student, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The competition challenges students to design, build, test and race a single seat racing car while demonstrating expertise in engineering, project management, finance and business planning. More than 100 teams from over 30 countries are expected to compete at Silverstone, with many participants viewing the competition as a launchpad into careers in motorsport, advanced manufacturing and high performance engineering.
As first time entrants, the SRC team will compete in the Concept Class, where they will be judged on design, materials, manufacturing process, cost rationale and the overall viability of the car. Success at this stage is vital to securing a place on the starting line at the 2027 event.
Alongside Passos and Murphy, the team includes Lewis Deards from Ballygowan, Ross Graham from Banbridge, Richard Livingstone from Armagh, Aleyah Peniero from Banbridge, Rebecca Dickson from Banbridge and Sean Treanor from Monaghan. The students began work on the project in September 2025, spending months designing, building and refining their vehicle plans while balancing studies for their Engineering BEng Degree (Top Up) or Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree, alongside employment and personal commitments. Throughout the process, the team has met a series of technical and administrative milestones required to qualify for the finals, often working late into the evening on tasks.
None of the students enrolled at SRC expecting to join a Formula Student team, with the opportunity instead created during their time at the College. Each student has played a key role in developing the vehicle, with support provided by a number of external sponsors including Exact Group, SMD Methods, TRED, RM Autoparts, Brownlow Radiators, EM & SM Construction Ltd, Blackwater Graphics, RJ Smyth Engineering, Flurry Fabrication, CCL Group and Regen Robotics, along with several sponsors who wished to remain unnamed. The project has been supported throughout by Engineering Lecturer and Course Coordinator Seán MacDiarmada.
Speaking on the team's achievement, Seán MacDiarmada said: "SRC Racing, a team of eight engineering students drawn from the Level 5 Foundation Degree and Level 6 Bachelor of Engineering Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes have set an historic milestone by qualifying for and developing an entry for the UK finals of the Formula Student Concept Class competition. In doing so, the team from Southern Regional College have firmly reserved a place to showcase their engineering talent and prowess alongside a lineup of major universities such as Imperial College and Oxford-Brooks, institutes known for their engineering and motorsport heritage and who have traditionally dominated this, the largest engineering degree programme competition in the world."
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said qualifying for the competition was a remarkable achievement. "Qualifying for one of the world's most prestigious engineering competitions is a remarkable achievement and reflects the talent, determination and professionalism of our students. As the first team from the Further Education sector to compete in Formula Student, they are breaking new ground and demonstrating that innovation and engineering excellence can thrive at every level of education. Their success demonstrates the strength of the engineering programmes at Southern Regional College and the dedication of our staff in preparing students for high-value careers in advanced manufacturing, motorsport and emerging technologies. We wish the team every success at Silverstone and look forward to seeing them represent both the College and Northern Ireland on an international stage."
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St Colman's College, Newry, is celebrating an award-winning year after receiving recognition via three education awards for its approach to teaching and learning. Over recent weeks, the college has been recognised through the Pearson National Teaching Awards, the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards and the Edufuturists Uprising Awards, with judges highlighting a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement that places students at the heart of every decision.
The first success came through the Pearson National Teaching Awards, where St Colman's received a Bronze Award for Transformational Use of Digital Technology. The award recognised the college's long-term commitment to embedding digital learning across the curriculum, developing students' digital fluency and ensuring technology is used purposefully to improve teaching and learning. Students currently achieve around 500 Microsoft Office Specialist certifications each year, leaving school with internationally recognised, employer-valued qualifications alongside their academic studies.
Recognition continued at the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards, where the college was named a finalist alongside partner primary schools St Clare's Abbey Primary School and St Ronan's Primary School. The joint submission celebrated a digital outreach programme that has enabled more than 400 primary pupils in Newry and Mourne to develop their digital creativity, while enabling St Colman's students to mentor younger learners, develop leadership skills and apply their creativity in classroom settings through the Adobe Express Student Ambassador programme.
Most recently, St Colman's was named Secondary School of the Year at the Edufuturists Uprising Awards 2026, a celebration of innovation and future-focused education in Ireland and the UK. Judges praised the college's willingness to listen, reflect and continually improve, highlighting its visible cycle of listening to students, acting on feedback and reviewing the impact of change. They also recognised the college's evidence-led approach to innovation, its Bett-inspired Student Council Table Talks and its sustained delivery of Microsoft Office Specialist certifications preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.
Principal Cormac McKinney welcomed the recognition, saying: "These awards reflect the collective commitment of our entire school community. Innovation has never been about technology for technology's sake. It has always been about improving learning, creating opportunities for our young people and ensuring they leave St Colman's equipped for the future.
"I would like to thank our outstanding staff, supportive parents, governors and, most importantly, our students. Their willingness to embrace new ideas and continually strive for improvement has made this recognition possible."
Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, said the awards reflected years of sustained development rather than any single initiative. "While each award celebrates something slightly different, they all recognise the same underlying philosophy. We believe innovation should always begin with a clear educational purpose and be informed by evidence, research and the voices of our students.
"Recognition through the ICT Excellence Awards over four consecutive years, together with success at the Pearson National Teaching Awards and Edufuturists Uprising Awards, gives us confidence that our approach is making a meaningful difference for our students.
"We constantly challenge ourselves to ask what is working well, what could be improved and how we can provide even better opportunities for our young people. It is incredibly rewarding to see that approach recognised by three independent judging panels."
Vice Principal Helen Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, said: "At St Colman's College, innovation is never an end in itself. Every decision we make is guided by one simple question: will this improve learning and better prepare our young people for life beyond school?
"Whether through digital technologies, recognised industry qualifications, creative partnerships or student leadership opportunities, our aim is to provide an education that is relevant, engaging and equips every pupil with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world."
The college has also continued to share its expertise with the wider education community. Associate Senior Teacher Michael Fegan and Computer Science teacher Anna Carr recently featured on the Education Authority's EdIS eXchange podcast, discussing the college's digital curriculum and approach to teaching and learning. Anna was also invited to present at the Computing at School Northern Ireland Summer Mini-Conference, while Michael has been invited by Adobe to speak at the Adobe Summit in San Francisco later this month, following the success of the college's Adobe Express Student Ambassador programme and primary outreach work.
As St Colman's College looks ahead to the new academic year, the focus remains on building upon these successes through continued collaboration, innovation and a commitment to providing the best educational experience for every student.
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Southern Regional College held its annual Celebration of Success award ceremony at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, last Thursday 25 June 2026, recognising the achievements of its students across the academic year. Over sixty awards were presented, with students from Newry and the surrounding area featuring prominently throughout the night.
The awards included Student of the Year prizes across the college's four faculties, four Rising Star awards, forty-one Student Recognition Awards, Medals of Excellence for students successful at WorldSkills competitions, four Employer Choice Awards, and the student choice awards for 'Most Inspirational Classmate' and 'Best Team Player'.
The 'Most Inspirational Classmate' award went to adult returner student Daniel Nugent from Kilkeel, who was commended for his enthusiasm towards work and his willingness to help classmates overcome challenges by sharing his knowledge and experience. 'Best Team Player' was fellow adult returner student Cormac Hughes from Mullaghbawn, who organised study sessions and provided ongoing support to his fellow students. The 'Rising Star' award within the Faculty of Health & Science went to Isabelle O'Grady from Warrenpoint.
Student of the Year within the Faculty of Professional Services was Jochyl Mier from Newry, who works within ABP Food Group. Jochyl became the site's first female Beef Carcass Classifier, breaking new ground and setting an example for others to follow. She was also awarded the Institute of Meats Best Abattoir Worker and Apprentice in February this year.
For the first time, the college presented the 'Terry Keenan Award for Commitment and Excellence in Early Years Practice'. The award honours the memory and legacy of Terry Keenan, a past SRC lecturer and first Coordinator of the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, and was presented by members of Terry's family to student Lily Corry from Newry. Lily is an Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) student at SRC, having begun her journey with a level 2 Childcare programme before progressing through education levels to achieve an honours degree.
Employer Choice Awards were presented to students who impressed their employers through commitment and dedication to their job roles. Securing this award locally was Philip Hamilton from Kilkeel, a Level 2 carpentry and joinery apprentice employed by J and N Joinery. Other notable mentions included Ashleigh McCullough from Kilkeel, a Business HND higher level apprentice working with the Henderson Wholesale Group, and Michelle Burke from Newry, who has published several children's books alongside full-time employment and studying for her foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
The college's engineering students continued to perform strongly, with significant achievements throughout the further and higher education sphere. At Level 3, the NI STEM Racing Car NI Champions were honoured alongside their Level 5 Foundation Degree and Level BEng Honours Degree counterparts, who were successful in qualifying for the Student Formula racing competition at Silverstone in July, as well as national WorldSkills UK success in automation and mechatronics.
The college's sports teams also experienced success, with both the Higher Education football team and GAA team lifting silverware. The football team secured the College University Football Association of Ireland Plate, while the GAA team captured the HE All-Ireland GAA Final trophy.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said: "Tonight's awards ceremony highlights the exceptional success and commitment of our students. Across all our campuses students have shown what is possible when ambition meets opportunity and when learning is matched by determination. Students who have overcome challenges, discovered passions, pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. While we celebrate their success, we also look towards their future. Whether moving onto further study, employment, or new adventures, we hope that all our students are inspired - not just by their own achievements, but by the achievements of their peers. We congratulate all students who won awards and look forward to seeing what they will achieve."
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St Colman's College, Newry, is celebrating after recent school leaver Arryn Lyness became the first student from Ireland to qualify for the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship for a second consecutive year. Having won both the Irish Finals and the UK & Ireland Finals in Microsoft PowerPoint, Arryn will once again represent the UK and Ireland when the world's leading Microsoft Office specialists gather at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, from 27 to 30 July.
The competition will bring together students from 37 countries to compete in the Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint categories. Last year, Arryn finished seventh in the world in Microsoft Excel, and returning this year in a different application, he believes he has unfinished business.
He said: "Competing at the World Championship last year was an incredible experience. Finishing seventh gave me even more motivation. I know what to expect this time, and I feel like I have unfinished business. My goal is to come home with a medal."
Arryn will travel to California with his mother, who will accompany him as he competes against the world's best young Microsoft Office specialists.
His success forms part of a wider culture of digital excellence at St Colman's. Through the college's partnership with Prodigy Learning, every Year 10 and Year 13 student has the opportunity to achieve Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These internationally recognised, Pearson-accredited qualifications provide students with industry-standard digital skills recognised by universities and employers around the world. Each year, students at St Colman's achieve approximately 500 such certifications, making the programme one of the college's flagship enrichment opportunities.
This year's competition also highlighted the depth of talent within the college. Twelve students qualified for the Irish National Finals, with fellow student Alan Karpiel crowned Irish Champion in Microsoft Word.
Principal Cormac McKinney praised Arryn's achievement and the wider success of the programme, saying: "Arryn's qualification for a second consecutive World Championship is an exceptional accomplishment and one of which our entire school community is immensely proud. His success reflects not only his own dedication and determination but also the opportunities available to our students through a curriculum that places digital skills alongside academic excellence. We wish Arryn every success as he once again represents the UK and Ireland on the world stage."
Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, said: "To qualify for one Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship is an exceptional achievement. To return for a second consecutive year, having qualified in a completely different Microsoft Office application, is unprecedented.
"While Arryn's achievement is rightly being celebrated, we are equally proud that twelve of our students reached the Irish National Finals this year. Together with Alan's success in winning the Microsoft Word title, it demonstrates the strength of the programme and the opportunities available to every student at St Colman's College."
Vice Principal Helen Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, added: "Our aim has always been to equip young people with qualifications that have genuine value beyond school. Microsoft Office Specialist certifications are internationally recognised, Pearson-accredited qualifications that strengthen university, apprenticeship and employment applications, while giving students the confidence and digital skills to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world."
As Arryn prepares to return to the World Championship stage, the entire St Colman's College community will be following his progress and hoping his second appearance ends with a place on the podium.
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The north's six Further Education colleges have launched a new digital prospectus designed to guide learners through the full range of NI Traineeships on offer. The one-stop resource covers all thirty-six Traineeship pathways, including entry requirements, progression routes and a dedicated section for parents.
NI Traineeships combine professional and technical qualifications with work placements, Essential Skills in literacy and numeracy, sector-specific training and the development of transversal and employability skills. Described as a well-established pathway, they are intended to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study, offering what is described as a dynamic and supportive route to career success.
The shared digital prospectus was produced collectively by the FE sector as a means of raising awareness and understanding of Traineeships as a route into employment and further study. By working together, the colleges are aiming to present a unified message about the opportunities available to learners and the role Traineeships play in addressing skills needs in key sectors of the economy, with the broader aim of strengthening the profile of vocational education and helping young people and their families recognise the value of industry-relevant skills and practical experience.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education with the Department for the Economy, described the launch as a significant milestone. She said: "The development and launch of the new NI Traineeship Prospectus is a significant milestone in the rollout of Traineeships as the flagship FE offer at Level 2 for learners wishing to embark on a wide range of vocational careers. This is the result of sector wide collaboration and expertise and the prospectus provides a really helpful one-stop-resource for learners, parents and guardians, teachers and employers. I would strongly encourage anybody thinking about a Traineeship as a next step to check out the prospectus and reach out to your local FE college."
Celine McCartan, Chairperson of the Further Education Principals Group, welcomed the resource. She said: "I am delighted to welcome this prospectus, which showcases the breadth and quality of Traineeship opportunities available through our six Further Education Colleges and reflects the strong collaborative approach being taken across the sector. By bringing Level 2 vocational education routes together in one accessible digital resource, we are making it easier for learners, parents, schools and employers to explore what is available and identify the option that best matches each learner's interests, ambitions and career goals. Traineeships provide pathways into Apprenticeships, further training and higher levels of study, while combining practical experience with recognised qualifications and the skills employers value most. They support learners to take their next step and enhance the skills needs of our economy."
The digital NI Traineeship prospectus is available to view at www.src.ac.uk
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A new partnership has been formed between Southern Regional College's Formula Student team, SRC Racing, and Newry based business FS Wheels, located at Greenbank Industrial Estate. Frank Sloan and the team at FS Wheels have sponsored the high performance tyres and wheels necessary for the students' single seater race car, which is scheduled to take to the track in July 2027.
Southern Regional College values the role that local businesses play in supporting student learning and development. The Formula Student team is currently competing in the Concept Class at the 2026 IMechE Formula Student competition, developing and refining the design ahead of building and racing the car.
Seán Mac Diarmada, the team's academic supervisor, said the sponsorship represented a significant investment in local talent. He said: “This sponsorship is more than just a contribution to a project; it is a profound investment in Newry's local young engineering talent. By backing our students, FS Wheels is demonstrating a deep commitment to our region, proving that when local businesses invest in local students, the entire community thrives.
“Having the support of a business in Newry like Frank Sloan is incredibly motivating for our team. It reinforces the value of community-led initiatives and shows our students that the skills they are developing at SRC are recognised and championed by the industry right on their doorstep, and furthermore establishes a direct route from Newry to the factories at Milton-Keynes, Brackley, and other sites where the pinnacle of engineering thrives in Formula One factories.”
Ross Graham, the Formula Student team leader, said the team was grateful for the backing. He said: “The team is incredibly grateful to Frank Sloan for his generosity and his belief in us, the next generation of engineers. Through this partnership, we aren't just building a faster car, we are building a stronger, more connected community.”
SRC Racing and the college have thanked FS Wheels for its support of the project and for helping students pursue their ambitions in Formula Student competition. The team has also benefited from the support of a number of other local businesses, whose expertise, sponsorship and encouragement have played an important role in helping students develop their engineering skills and bring the project to life.
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