Pride for Cullybackey as Buick Memorial principal Rikki Peters wins top Northern Ireland education award
Principal of Buick Memorial Primary School, Rikki Peters, named Northern Ireland Primary Principal of the Year
Wednesday 14 October 2026
The principal of Buick Memorial Primary School in Cullybackey has been named Northern Ireland Primary Principal of the Year, recognising a decade of leadership and her commitment to helping children reach their full potential.
Rikki Peters received the prestigious honour at the Local Women Magazine Education Awards, held at Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Saturday 10 October.
The awards, sponsored by thatprizeguy, celebrate outstanding educators and schools across Northern Ireland, recognising the dedication of those making a difference in children's education.
For Miss Peters, who is originally from nearby Ahoghill, the recognition reflects not only her own journey into education but also the collective achievements of the Cullybackey school community she leads.
A proud moment for Team Buick
Reacting to the award, Miss Peters expressed her gratitude and paid tribute to the staff, families and wider community who have supported the school.
She said:
“I am truly delighted and grateful to receive the Primary Principal of the Year Award. It is a privilege to be recognised in this way and an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey I have shared with the entire Buick Memorial Primary School community.
“This award is not just a personal achievement; it is a reflection of the dedication, talent and commitment of our staff, governors, pupils, parents and wider community. I am fortunate to work alongside such passionate people who make Buick Memorial the special place it is. Together, we strive to create an environment where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Miss Peters emphasised that successful school leadership depends on teamwork and a shared commitment to the children in its care.
“School leadership is fundamentally about collaboration, shared vision and an unwavering commitment to children. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a caring and aspirational school community.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Local Women Magazine for this wonderful recognition. It is an honour to represent Team Buick and I look forward to continuing our work together as we build on our successes and create even more opportunities for our pupils in the years ahead.”
An early inspiration in Ahoghill
Miss Peters' passion for education has its roots in her own childhood in Ahoghill, where she attended Fourtowns Primary School.
It was there that an inspirational teacher, Mrs Watt, helped shape her ambition to pursue a career in teaching — an early influence that would eventually lead her into school leadership.
She continued her education at Cullybackey High School and Cambridge House Grammar School before gaining professional experience through Sainsbury's Management Training Programme.
Her journey then took her to the University of the West of Scotland, where she studied for a Bachelor of Education degree. During her studies, she also spent a year in Denmark, broadening her experience and understanding of education.
A decade of leadership at Buick Memorial
Miss Peters began her teaching career in Scotland, working in nursery and primary education before progressing to the position of Depute Head at Annbank Primary School in South Ayrshire.
In 2014, she returned to Northern Ireland to take up the role of Vice Principal at Buick Memorial Primary School in Cullybackey.
Two years later, in 2016, she became Acting Principal, beginning a period of school leadership that has now spanned a decade.
Throughout that time, she has focused on strengthening relationships between the school and its community, promoting high-quality education and ensuring that pupils' needs remain central to decision-making.
Rikki speaking after the awards ceremony on Saturday night
Her latest achievement brings Northern Ireland-wide recognition to a career shaped by the influence of a teacher in her home village and a determination to offer the same encouragement and opportunities to future generations.
For the Buick Memorial community in Cullybackey, the award is also a celebration of the teamwork and shared commitment that Miss Peters believes are at the heart of a successful school — and an inspiration for the pupils whose futures she continues to help shape.
