A YORK headteacher has visited 10 Downing Street as a result of the Prime Minister’s recognition of his sixth form’s outstanding achievements.

Andrew Daly, head at Archbishop Holgate’s Church of England School, has also been made a National Leader of Education, meaning he will support schools in challenging circumstances in addition to leading his own school.

He was invited to Number 10 by David Cameron after his school received external recognition for outstanding student performance across the sixth form, with the school ranked number one nationally for vocational A-Level qualifications.

He said that he and a group of other head teachers went up the famous staircase, with pictures of the nation’s former leaders on the walls, into a formal reception room.

“It was great as a historian to think about all the former prime ministers who had led the country,” he said.

“The atmosphere was one probably dominated by a sense of pride that our individual schools had been chosen to be part of the celebration of excellence in state education. I was also, in truth, slightly nervous.”

He said Mr Cameron spoke eloquently for a number of minutes about his passion for education and ensuring that all children, from all backgrounds, had the maximum opportunities to succeed. “It was clear that he had a strong understanding of the importance of education and thanked all those present for their ongoing efforts within their school communities,” he said.

Mr Daly said he would like to thank his students and recognise the commitment of everyone in delivering outstanding teaching and excellent pastoral care that had once again enabled them to excel.

He added that by becoming a National Leader of Education, he would represent the students, colleagues and governors of an outstanding school on a national platform.

“We have worked exceptionally hard to ensure every student is cared for as an individual and achieves their very best at both GCSE and A-level,” he said.

“I look forward to sharing best practice with other schools and intend to encourage future teachers and school leaders to train at Archbishop Holgate’s School. This is an exciting time for all involved.”