On Thursday 26th June, over 400 guests attended a surprise retirement party held for the head of Sunnydown School in Caterhamon- the-Hill, Mr Moore Armstrong and his wife Jill. After 34 years of dedicated service, Moore said a fond farewell to the staff, ex-pupils and their families and guests.

When Moore joined Sunnydown in 1982 with his wife and three children, the school was based on the Hog’s Back in Guildford. Moore was appointed Deputy Head, teaching English, Art and PE. In 1983 Jill joined the team as a part time English teacher and in 1984 Sunnydown moved to Portley House in Caterham. The young family moved and lived on site, with the children attending the local primary school.

Moore became the Head of Sunnydown in September 1989 and has been in this role ever since. In 1989 the school consisted of 56 pupils, one head teacher, one deputy and 4.5 teachers. Now in 2014 the school has 50 staff members and 83 pupils. During the retirement party, Sunnydown parent, Cathy Long and expupil Matthew Gordon presented emotional speeches on behalf of the parents and pupils of the school, paying tribute to a head teacher described as “firm but fair”, “funny, wise and kind” and “calm and patient”.

One of the teachers at Sunnydown School, Chris Hull, added: “Moore has supported me both professionally and personally and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have been given under his leadership. Life at Sunnydown won’t be the same without him. He leaves very big shoes to fill!”