3:16pm Friday 7th September 2007
By Gemma Wheatley
When Peter Kelly took over the role of headmaster at West Dene in Brighton Road, Purley, the school had just two year groups.
But in the 48 months since he became head he has increased pupil numbers to 110 and created a further four year groups at the independent school.
And he still manages to remain the best teacher at the school - according to the year two pupils who collectively nominated him for a Croydon Champions award.
Mr Kelly, who used to teach at Cumnor House School in Purley, said: "We have quite a small school here and everyone knows each other, which gives it a really nice feel.
"I make sure I see every child come into school in the morning and there is such a caring atmosphere with all the staff and the children.
"I think they are all comfortable here, but I don't feel like I am doing anything differently to other teachers, I just care about the children and the school."
His pupils sent in a barrage of nomination forms.
Year two pupil Jessica Fleming wrote: "Mr Kelly deserves this award for being the best headmaster ever.
"He makes lessons fun and is energetic, he listens to my stories and he is great. He helps us on our way and if he wasn't here school would be so boring."
And Sophie Roberts said: "He always tries to help the people in the school, he's funny and he's a good picker of prefects. He makes us have juicy brains."
Mr Kelly is hoping the school will flourish with its increased numbers.
He added: "We have had some challenges since I started and increasing the school by a year group each academic year has been tough."
If you know someone who deserves an award for their work in the community, fill in the form on this page.
Each nominee will be featured in the paper in the coming weeks and invited to our awards ceremony in November.
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