SHOTTERMILL Infant School headteacher Margaret Johnston has gone to the top of the class.
She was awarded a special commendation for lifetime achievement in this year's SE region teaching awards.
At a ceremony in Brighton last week, Miss Johnston, who is due to leave Shottermill after almost 29 years this summer, also received a cheque for £250 for her school.
"I had a very interesting morning meeting and working with a group of very dedicated staff and teachers," said Miss Johnston, who was one of the two short-listed nominees for the category.
"I was enormously touched at what the parents have done by nominating me," she said.
Parents and staff nominated Miss Johnston for the award "in recognition of her outstanding achievement, selfless dedication, and contiuing efforts to improve the quality of life for children in her care".
They summed up their nomination by complimenting Miss Johnston on giving all the children in her care " such a rich start to life.
"A woman of dignity, Miss Johnston would not dream of getting an award for what she loves doing best.
"However, how can we possibly show her how much we appreciate her?
"We hope a teaching award will help us do that. By publicly acknowledging this exceptional head teacher, we hope that others will be inspired and encouraged and the excellence in our schools will become the norm and not the exception."
Last week, Miss Johnston was pictured on the front page of The Herald when the school won its third consecutive School Achievement Award.