Arundel’s Tracy shows she is top of the class

And now Tracy Spencer, 49, who runs the reception at the Arundel CE Primary School, has been hailed as the administrator of the year at a national awards ceremony.

The National Association of School Business Management (NASBM) awards, which took place in London earlier this month, were designed to praise the work by the support staff who drive the engine room in schools up and down the country.

Arundel’s head teacher Andrew Simpson said Tracy thoroughly deserved the accolade.

Mr Simpson, who nominated her, said: “Tracy is the hub of our school. Aways first call for parents, staff and sick children. And always with huge enthusiasm and a smile on her face.

“Tracy is driving real technological advance – nets at the school. She strives to make a cashless school and improving parental engagement by maximising the use of web and social media.

“Tracy is never satisfied to sit still and accept the norm, she is always striving to drive the school forward for the whole community.

“We’d be lost with out her.”

Tracy, who has been with the school for about 12 years, said she was thrilled to receive the title.

“I have never been nominated or won an award previously so it was a great honour,” she admitted. “I never expected to win.

“There were three finalists in each category and it was such a surprise.

“But winning the award was not only a personal achievement but a team achievement. We have a strong team ethos and we all work together.”

Tracy, who was previously a teaching assistant at the primary, has been its administrator for eight years.

“I love the school,” she added. “The atmosphere is really wonderful and everyone is so supportive.”