Maggie is top of the class

Maggie Taggart received the award at the House of Commons

BBC Northern Ireland's Education Correspondent Maggie Taggart has proved that she, herself, is top of the class.

She has clinched the award for Outstanding Education Reporting by a Regional Journalist at the Education Journalist of the Year Awards in the House of Commons.

Maggie triumphed for her reporting on BBC Newsline of the controversy associated with the ending of the 11-Plus in Northern Ireland.

The awards were organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Presenting Maggie with her award, Keith Bartley of the General Teaching Council (GTC), said: "There are many talented journalists working regionally and the CIPR awards are an excellent way to ensure they receive the credit they deserve."

Commenting on her entry, the judges said that difficult and complex issues had been "covered well in an informed but probing fashion".

They said there had been "excellent development of a story - from breaking, to live interview, to in-depth feature."

We always aim to bring BBC Newsline audiences the best possible coverage of the issues that matter to them Angelina Fusco Editor, Television News

Maggie Taggart said: "The education system in Northern Ireland is right at the centre of debate at the moment as politicians and parents attempt to deal with the aftermath of the 11-Plus.

"That was the subject of my entry to the awards and it is an issue which dominates my work at the moment.

"It is gratifying to win an award on behalf of BBC Northern Ireland; it makes the hard work worthwhile."

Angelina Fusco, editor of television news for BBC Northern Ireland, said: "We know that reporting on education issues is important to our audiences.

"It is therefore an important element of our output on BBC Newsline, so it's great for Maggie and our coverage to get this recognition.

"We always aim to bring BBC Newsline audiences the best possible coverage of the issues that matter to them. It's also great to win considering the calibre of the event and the other entrants in the categories."