John McGoldrick

John McGoldrick is a Scottish primary teacher whose work has transformed science and STEM education in communities facing some of the most entrenched socio-economic challenges in the United Kingdom. Raised in challenging socio-economic circumstances, he worked tirelessly to gain the qualifications needed to attend university – becoming the first, and still the only, member of his family to do so – all while helping his mother raise his two younger sisters. Inspired by a History teacher who believed in his potential, John pursued a career in teaching to provide the same encouragement to others. 

Since qualifying with a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education from the University of Strathclyde in 2015, John has taught in several high-poverty communities across Coatbridge, Glasgow, Linwood and Paisley. The schools he has served are marked by multigenerational unemployment, reduced access to enrichment activities, and limited STEM capital at home. Yet he has consistently shown that with creativity, resilience and strategic leadership, schools can overcome these barriers and raise attainment in ways that are both measurable and sustainable. 

John specialises in using STEM as a powerful vehicle for inclusion, literacy, numeracy and confidence-building. At Our Lady of Peace Primary in Linwood, he led a three-year transformation of the school’s entire STEM provision – an effort that culminated in the school receiving Education Scotland’s STEM Nation Award, a national recognition reserved for settings demonstrating excellence, innovation and long-term impact. Under his leadership, the school became a national example of best practice, hosting open days for practitioners across Scotland and collaborating directly with Education Scotland, SSERC and industry partners. 

His classroom practice is grounded in enquiry-based learning, open-ended problem-solving, and hands-on investigation. Whether children are calculating angles using coded cars, creating AI-illustrated books to strengthen literacy, or tackling maths through engineering challenges, John’s approach consistently improves engagement – particularly among children who struggle with confidence, additional support needs or behavioural barriers. In his schools, attainment in literacy and numeracy surpassed pre-Covid levels, and pupils with learning challenges began achieving success that had previously felt out of reach. 

In 2025, John’s long-term commitment to primary science was recognised nationally when he received the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) Teaching Award, further cementing his place within the PSTT College of Fellows. The award acknowledges innovative, sustained STEM teaching that demonstrably improves both pupil learning and whole-school practice. 

John’s influence extends far beyond his classroom. He leads community STEM fairs that connect families, pupils and employers – including Amazon, Rolls-Royce, DXC, ThermoFisher, the Royal Navy, and local artisans – helping children understand real pathways into STEM careers. He also coordinates engineering clubs, including participating in a Royal Society-funded project in which pupils built and raced a fully functioning Goblin kit car with support from mechanics, universities and community volunteers. 

Having been invited to be a mentor, trainer and presenter for Education Scotland and SSERC, John supports teachers across the country to embed creative, inclusive STEM teaching in their own settings.