Primary teacher John is top of the class with global prize recognition

A Paisley teacher who has been named in the top 50 of a global award says he is “shocked” to have even been considered.

- TAYLOR MURRAY

John McGoldrick, a primary school teacher at St Charles’ Primary School in Paisley, was announced as one of the top 50 names in the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026, a Varkey Foundation initiative organised in collaboration with UNESCO.

John was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries around the world.

The 35-year-old says although it is a “nice pat on the back”, the important part of his job is to try and inspire children to follow their dreams.

"I was taken aback by it and wasn't expecting it one bit but I am so honoured to be named in the top 50," he told the Express.

"It's a nice pat on the back, but really the job is about trying to impact as positively as you can as many kids as you can.

"So I'm glad that that's been recognised. It’s just a case of hopefully trying to impact more kids positively over the course of time.”