CHRIS Allen is the headteacher/principal of the year.

Mr Allen is headteacher at Bowbrook House School in Peopleton, near Pershore.

He received multiple nominations from parents and children.

Many of them described him as an authority figure but one that was approachable and had created a family atmosphere at the small school.

On the night, Mr Allen said: “I was so humbled by the recognition.

“I have to thank Richard Mills, assistant head, Sarah Harfield, deputy head, and Ruth Hunt my PA, but most of all for 25 years of outstanding support my wife, Jane.”

Mr Allen said he believed that the award was about respect.

He said: “I am firm but fair.

“There is discipline but at the same time they know I’m approachable.

“They will knock on my door and come in and talk.

“It’s not a strict authority figure but it’s about respect.”

Mr Allen’s nominations all agreed that he was the backbone of the “happy” school.

One family said choosing Bowbrook school had been the best decision they had made for their child.

Mr Allen also paid tribute to the other finalists. He said: “There were inspirational stories coming through.

“The three headteachers in the final were very different, one from a Pupil Referral Unit, a large state school and an inclusive, all-age independent school.

“It’s nice to have that recognition (across the sector).”

The runners up were Pete Hines, from Perryfields Pupil Referral Unit, and Samantha Roach, from Tudor Grange Academy Worcester.

Mr Hines was praised for being extremely supportive and giving children a chance to succeed at a lovely place which offered them real opportunities.

Mrs Roach was said to be a ‘phenomenal leader’ who had helped transform Tudor Grange into a thriving school.