Rikki Peters, principal of Buick Memorial Primary School in Cullybackey, has been named Northern Ireland Primary Principal of the Year. The award was presented at the Local Women Magazine Education Awards, held at Belfast's Europa Hotel on Saturday 10 October 2026.

The awards recognise outstanding educators and schools across Northern Ireland. The event was sponsored by thatprizeguy.

Peters, originally from nearby Ahoghill, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it reflects the dedication of staff, governors, pupils, parents and the wider community. She emphasised that successful school leadership depends on teamwork and a shared commitment to children.

Peters attended Fourtowns Primary School in Ahoghill, where a teacher, Mrs Watt, inspired her to pursue a career in education. She later attended Cullybackey High School and Cambridge House Grammar School, then studied at the University of the West of Scotland, spending a year in Denmark during her studies.

She began her teaching career in Scotland and later became Depute Head at Annbank Primary School in South Ayrshire. In 2014, she returned to Northern Ireland as Vice Principal of Buick Memorial Primary School, becoming Acting Principal in 2016.