Groggan Primary School principal Cathy Humphrey has retired after leading the County Antrim school for more than a decade and after a teaching career that earned her an MBE for services to education.

She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her contribution to education in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Humphrey began teaching at Bellaghy Primary School before moving to Buick Memorial Primary School in Cullybackey in 1996. She remained there until 2013, rising to vice-principal, and was appointed principal at Groggan in January 2014.

During her time at Groggan, pupil numbers increased and the school building saw a significant physical expansion, roughly doubling in size.

She has spoken of the importance of children feeling a sense of belonging and being loved within the school community, and emphasised the need for strong, open relationships between schools and families.

Her husband, Denver, regularly volunteered at the school, and their sons, Zak and Alex, helped at school events. Her brother, Peter Simpson, also assisted with maintenance and repairs.

Staff organised a retirement assembly in her honour, after which she was led by a piper through a guard of pupils in the playground.

Reflecting on her career, she advised new teachers to be kind to themselves when facing mistakes, to build genuine relationships with pupils, and to find opportunities for humour each day.