Phillip Potter was appointed head teacher at Oak Grove College, a secondary school for students in West Sussex with special educational needs, in 2011.
Staff arranged a surprise celebration for him on Wednesday, June 21, as part of events to mark National Thank a Teacher Day. He was addressing colleagues to thank them for their achievements when he was interrupted by Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman heralding the presentation of the award by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Andy Bliss.