Lyn Brown MP joined the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, in recognising the hard work and achievements of a few of Newham’s head teachers at a 10 Downing Street reception.

The head teachers of Rokeby School, Hallsville School, Upton Cross School and Elmhurst School met Mr Brown and Mr Balls.  Both thanked them and all the head teachers attending for their excellent work and dedication educating Britain’s children.  

Lyn Brown MP said,

“It was good to be able to invite Keri, Nick, Saheed and Charlotte to the reception at Downing St in recognition of their achievements over the past years.  I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised.  Year after year, Newham schools are improving because of  the dedication of our teachers and the leadership of our head teachers.

Frankly, when I received the offer from the Prime Minister to take a head teacher to Downing Street – my heart sank.  I visit a good many schools and I knew that it was impossible for me to choose just one head teacher to invite to the reception.

I asked Newham council to chose for me and begged additional invites from Number 10.  In the end I was able to invite four head teachers from the most improved schools in the West Ham.  But I wish I could have taken all Newham’s teachers and support staff.  

Additional Government spending has ensured we now have smaller class sizes, more teachers and teaching assistants and better buildings and facilities.   64% of students at Newham schools achieved 5 or more A*-C GCSE passes in 2009, up 5% on 2008 and up a massive 30% since 1998.  And it’s not just at GCSE.  We’ve also seen an increase of over 30% in 11 year olds achieving Level 4 or more at Key Stage 2.

Extra investment from the Government has transformed schools in our borough but all that money could not achieve what we have without inspiring teachers.”