Handcross Park employee is named ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ at the 2021 Independent Schools of the Year Awards

We are delighted and incredibly proud to announce that our Head Groundsman, Alan Atkins was today named the deserving winner of the Unsung Hero of the Year Award at the 2021 Independent Schools of the Year Awards. 

Alan Atkins joined Handcross Park 17 years ago as Head Groundsman. Under his tender and loving care, our 52 acre site now rivals any National Trust garden you could find. Alan’s dedication to ensuring the children at Handcross Park enjoy childhood in a magical and idyllic setting is simply remarkable. Alan manages the entire 52 acre site alone with very little help and really is such a huge part of the success of our School. 

Alan is the first to arrive and the last to leave Handcross Park each day. Alan arrives each day and ensures the whole school is warm and welcoming. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he always carries out his never ending list of jobs with a smile. Alan is always on hand to help with any crisis that arises, be that digging a parent car out of the snow, retrieving a ball from a tree, rescuing a deer trapped in the cricket nets or helping a pupil carry heavy belongings. Alan puts his work at school as a priority, even coming in on Christmas Day each year to ensure the animals are fed and the site is secure. 


Alan is a kind and gentle man who is unfailing in his good humour, whatever the situation. He’s never at a loss for a funny comment to lighten the mood! Alan’s wisdom and deep knowledge and understanding of the history and workings of the grounds at Handcross Park is truly incredible. Alan is always on hand, in rain, sleet or snow to carry out any task required. He takes charge of all our big school events, such as setting up sports days, school fairs, theatre productions, bonfire night and looking after all the pitches. Alan has also helped so many staff move house, with lifts from the airport and tip trips on the weekend. He’s even provided late night taxi services to parents after our school functions! 

Alan is a real animal lover and he has implemented a number of initiatives to involve our pupils with animals, such as bringing a number of beehives on site to teach pupils the importance of bees to our environment. Alan also hand reared our school ducks and chickens, which have brought so much joy to our pupils. 

Last year, Alan received the tragic news that he has terminal throat cancer. Throughout his chemotherapy and operations, Alan has remained in school and dedicated to his job. Despite the intensive treatment and effects of this on his body, which mean he is no longer able to speak or eat, Alan continues to smile and carry out his duties to the most incredible standard. His strength of character is remarkable. Everyone at Handcross Park has huge gratitude for all Alan’s loyalty, efforts and continued devotion to the School. He really is a hero and we are so proud that he has been recognised as the deserving winner of this award. 

08.10.21