Rachel invited Sheila Holden, the Headteacher of Pitcheroak School, to a teacher’s reception at Number 10 Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May, who personally thanked them for their hard work.
At the reception on Monday evening (May 21st), which local MPs and Education Ministers attended, the Prime Minister emphasised the central role of teachers in enabling children to fulfil their potential. Earlier this month, the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, set out a series of measures to reduce unnecessary workload and enable teachers to get on with the job.
95 per cent of schools in Redditch County are now rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, that’s a massive increase of 41 per cent since 2010. 1.9million children are now attending good or outstanding schools nationally compared with 2010. 825,000 new school places have also been created since 2010.
Rachel said: “I’m thrilled to have been able to invite Sheila to such an exciting event that acknowledges her incredibly important work. There are so many fabulous teachers here in Redditch, and I’ve met many of them during my visits – I would love to have invited them all!
“During my visit to Pitcheroak School, which is one of the 95 per cent of good or outstanding schools here in Redditch, I saw first-hand Sheila’s absolute passion to improve the lives of her pupils, and her determination to give her students the best possible education. She is an incredibly inspiring woman and I’m over the moon that Prime Minister Theresa May was able to recognise Sheila’s important work too.
“Teachers are at the heart of a great education, and it’s down to the hard work of people like Sheila – combined with this Government’s reforms – that more young people here in Redditch are being given the opportunity to succeed.”
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “When I stood on the steps outside this house almost two years ago, I talked about my desire to tackle the burning injustices facing our country today.
“And education is the key to doing so, and that means teachers like you are the key to making Britain the great meritocracy it can and should be.
“The generations of famous figures who have graced this room throughout history owe their successes to the teachers who inspired and educated them. Teachers just like you.
“So, I want to thank you, and thank all teachers, for everything you have already done to nurture the next generation.
“And let me say, once again, how much I look forward to working with you so that every child in every corner of this country has the best possible start in life.”