History Teachers Association Northern Ireland

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens honours Belfast teacher in Inspiring History Teaching Awards 


Elaine McPeake, history teacher at St Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast, has been named the Northern Ireland winner of Historic Royal Palaces’ inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards.

Elaine was recognised for her immersive, imaginative approach to teaching — from recreating Anne Frank’s bedroom and WWI trenches in her classroom to running Renaissance “Dragon’s Den” challenges that bring historical thinking to life.

The awards, which recognise educators who bring history to life in innovative and inspiring ways, received thousands of nominations from pupils, parents and colleagues across the UK. Judges praised Elaine’s “real love for her subject,” noting that “her passion was infectious,” and highlighting her creativity and dedication to her pupils. 

Across more than 20 years at St Dominic’s, Elaine has transformed history education into a dynamic, student-led experience. In 2025, Elaine worked with pupils to create a ‘museum of childhood’, where students researched toys from different eras and collected oral histories from staff. The exhibition gained widespread attention and was later showcased at the Ulster Museum. In addition, Elaine runs a History Club, after-school study sessions and creative workshops, as well as organising trips to significant historical sites locally and internationally. These include visits to Auschwitz as part of Holocaust studies and local landmarks such as Carrickfergus Castle, helping students connect deeply with both global and local histories. 

Caroline Walker, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, said:

“Elaine McPeake is a truly deserving winner whose passion for history shines through in everything she does. Her creativity and commitment to bringing the past to life – from immersive classroom experiences to inspiring projects like the museum of childhood – demonstrate the powerful impact great teaching can have on young people. 

As the Northern Ireland winner of the Inspiring History Teaching Awards, Elaine will receive £500 for herself and £500 for St Dominic’s Grammar School, along with annual memberships to Historic Royal Palaces and the Historical Association. Elaine is one of ten regional winners from across the UK and will attend a prestigious awards ceremony at the Tower of London on Saturday 20 June 2026, where one overall winner will be announced. The overall winner will be determined by a judging panel led by much-loved historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley, who launched the awards in October 2025, and includes some of the UK’s most respected historians, educators and writers: Greg Jenner, Sathnam Sanghera, Dan Jones, Shalina Patel, Katie Hunter and Michael Riley. 

Elaine McPeake said:

“I am absolutely honoured to be named the Northern Ireland winner of the Inspiring History Teaching Awards. It is a great privilege to receive recognition for the role that history teaching plays in shaping young minds, and for a subject that I have loved since childhood. “

“I firmly believe that history is best brought to life through creativity and hands-on experiences, and it is incredibly rewarding to see students engaging with the past in ways that spark their curiosity and imagination. This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am sincerely grateful to my colleagues, pupils and to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for their ongoing support.” 

The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are part of Historic Royal Palaces’ wider mission to ensure every child can engage with history in meaningful and inclusive ways and is committed to supporting teachers and schools through on-site visits, learning programmes, digital resources and partnerships. 

The awards are delivered in Northern Ireland in partnership with organisations including the awards’ Associate Partner, the Historical Association as well as the Association of Independent Museums, National Museums NI and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland (HTANI).