Secondary School Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

A SCIENTIST-turned-teacher who ‘goes that extra mile’ to care for her students deservedly walked away the with Secondary School Teacher of the Year prize.

Dr Kelly Underdown spoke of her pride at not just winning an award, but in having the role of a teacher and how it can be used to change the lives of young people.

The Costello School science teacher and lead practitioner said: “I feel really proud that I get to do the job that I do. It is all about creating the child as a person and if you have done that, you have done your job.

“It has been a really nice night, a really positive evening. My daughters were here with me and my mum, and they were so proud of me. My son is in Ghana, but I’m sure he would be proud too!”

One nomination, from a parent of a Costello pupil, credited Kelly with giving her daughter belief in herself after she was moved into the teacher’s tutor group.

The nomination read: “Dr Underdown is not only an amazing chemistry and science teacher but she also goes that extra mile to pastorally care for any student that needs her.

“Fundamentally Dr Underdown cares about all the children at Costello. She recognises if they need extra emotional support and will either provide that herself or refer appropriately.

“As a family we would love to thank her for everything she has done - she is simply amazing and Costello is so lucky to have her!”