Oakgrove Integrated College teacher Mr. Keith McLaren was welcomed back to the school by Principal, Mr. John Harkin as he celebrates a quarter of century with the school, both as a student and a teacher.

Mr. McLaren, who is Head of Technology and Design, came to the Waterside school as a Year 8 student 25 years ago and has had a strong connection with the school ever since.

A former Rosemount Primary School pupil, Keith spent seven years as a student before departing to Liverpool where he studied for his degree and PGCE, graduating in 2012.

He returned to Oakgrove in December 2015 where he took up a teaching position in the Design and Technology Department where he has held the post of Head of Department for nine years.

Mr. John Harkin, Principal, Oakgrove Integrated College, pictured on Wednesday morning congratulating teacher Mr. Keith McLaren who celebrates a quarter of a century with the school. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)

placeholder image — Mr. John Harkin, Principal, Oakgrove Integrated College, pictured on Wednesday morning congratulating teacher Mr. Keith McLaren who celebrates a quarter of a century with the school. (Photos: JIm McCafferty Photography)

Celebrating this milestone, Mr. John Harkin said he was delighted to mark a quarter century connection with Oakgrove.

"Keith is a valued member of staff, and we were delighted when he rose to become Head of Department here at Oakgrove. We are proud to see Keith come back, and give back to our school. It’s s a massive well done to Keith.”

Mr. McLaren said the years have flown and he always had an affinity with Oakgrove.

‘"Oakgrove is a fantastic school, one where our students are nurtured and supported during their time at the school. The staff go above and beyond for the students, and it shows when you meet them years later and meet the people the school has helped shaped them into.”