St Bridget's head Dennis Hopkins in running to be crowned Scotland's best

Dennis Hopkins, boss of St Bridget’s Primary, immediately paid tribute to the brilliant staff, pupils, parents and carers at the Kilbirnie school, claiming the special honour is not a ‘solo prize’ in his eyes.

Dennis has made the top three in the Scottish Education Awards following multiple nominations from his colleagues who praised his inspirational and innovative learning and leadership style.

Upon hearing about his finalist status, Dennis took to social media to pay thanks for the honour, he said: “This award is not, in my eyes, a solo prize.  It is recognition of the endeavours of a whole school community.

“I cannot imagine even being considered for this award were it not for the pupils, the staff and the parents and carers and the entire community who make our school so special.

“I am blessed to be the headteacher at St Bridget’s and we accept this national recognition as one big family.”

Dennis has championed tackling waste and poverty at the school.  He explained about St Bridget’s ‘Clean Plate’ initiative which sees pupils who eat their lunchtime meal and leave an empty plate being photographed and praised on the school’s Twitter page and in assemblies. 

The initiative is part of his approach to minimise food waste as well as ensuring his pupils were well fed during the day. 

Councillor John Bell, cabinet member for Education said: “Dennis is a fine example of the exceptional talent, nurture and innovation we have going on in our schools in North Ayrshire. It is absolutely right that Dennis is recognised for all that he has done, and continues to do, to make the school experience so special for each and every one of his pupils.”

Arran High School is nominated in the 'Making a Difference' category

Schools on Arran are also shortlisted for one of the prestigious awards in the ‘Making a Difference’ category.  This recognises the creation of their three-year strategy covering all areas of health and wellbeing – from physical to mental, environmental and healthy living, ensuring the island community has consistent local access to support in these areas without having to rely solely on mainland services.

Councillor John Bell added: “What our schools on Arran have done is remarkable.  They have identified an issue and have come together as a community and established a plan that helps to tackle it – helping people of all ages, experience, ethnicity and gender to have equal opportunity for positive health and wellbeing regardless of the challenges they face.

“Congratulations to our Arran schools and Mr Hopkins.”