HEADTEACHER Dela Smith returned to school yesterday for the first time since the announcement that she was to become a dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Mrs Smith, 48, who has been headteacher at Beaumont Hill Special School, Darlington, County Durham, since 1992, admits to still being stunned by the appointment.
She returned to school to be met with dozens of congratulations cards and flowers.
Mrs Smith, who was made a dame for services to education for children with special needs, said: "Some of the children understand what the award means, but others think a dame is in a pantomime. They are confused, just like their headteacher."
Beaumont Hill caters for youngsters from the ages of two to 19 with a wide range of learning disabilities.
The school was awarded technology college status in 1999 because of its achievements as a centre of excellence.
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