On Monday, 21st May 2018 the Prime Minister hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the outstanding work of teachers. I was invited to bring a teacher from Northampton to this reception who had shown a true dedication to high-quality teaching. I visit all the secondary and primary schools in Northampton on a regular basis and whilst there were many possible candidates in Northampton I asked Richard Bernard of Northampton School for Boys to join me. Northampton School for Boys is a state-funded school, with girls in the Sixth Form, which has consistently outstanding academic performances alongside national success in both sports and in performing arts.

Around 100 teachers were welcomed to Downing Street to celebrate all the great work teachers do around the country to ensure that our children are educated to a high-standard and are adequately prepared for life after school. The Prime Minister and the Education Secretary addressed the teachers and thanked them for their work. Ensuring that our children have the best possible education is very important to me and I am glad that teachers are being recognised for the work they are doing. It is encouraging to note that since May 2010 there are now 1.9 million more children in ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ schools.

Michael Ellis MP