A celebrated figure in education and recognised as Liverpool’s longest serving headteacher, American-born Dennis Hardiman MBE has been awarded a Senior Fellowship from the University.
Dennis formally accepted the Fellowship at the Winter Graduation ceremony on January 23 2025 at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.
Dennis cites teaching as his ‘dream job’ and credits colleagues who worked alongside him, parents, pupils and influential figures from his youth as contributors to his achievements.
Before retiring as a headteacher in 2020, Dennis enjoyed a fulfilling career in education spanning nearly 50 decades. In that time, he worked in schools such as St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Primary School followed by a headship at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and St. Cuthbert’s, which was saved from closure, and went from strength to strength under his leadership.
When asked about the impact he has had on his former pupils, Dennis answered: “I hope the difference that I’ve made is that you now believe in yourself, because I believe in you. The important thing sometimes is to carry on even in the face of challenges, because your actions can influence others too. I am a part of something bigger, and it’s not exclusively me.”
Dennis is passionate about providing access to extra-curricular activities for pupils -particularly in sports - to help them reach their potential, and is an advocate of breaking down social and emotional barriers to success.
Dennis believes every child should have the best opportunities and education that schools can give, and with dedicated and tenacious staff, he ensured that this has been the case in his schools, receiving numerous awards, accolades and recognition for his services across Liverpool over the years.
On receiving a Fellowship from the University, Dennis commented: “I received a letter from the University which was totally unexpected. I am delighted, proud and humbled by the award especially as an American and former Christ College student.
“This award is a tribute to the many inspirational people I have been privileged and honoured to have worked alongside, my supportive wife and children, and the terrific and selfless staff and governors who somehow magic the extra time when needed to give their expert help. I have also been so fortunate to have met such tremendous people in the parents I have worked in partnership with and our wonderful children from the two schools who live by the school mottos.
“They go on achieve so much and become such good people that we are all proud of. It’s not surprising that my time in teaching has been my dream job.”