A FORMER head boy of Penketh High School has been to Downing Street after the school where he is now head teacher was picked out as one of the most improved in the country.

Curwen Primary School, in Newham, East London, has gone from being rated ‘satisfactory’ by Ofsted inspectors to ‘outstanding’ in the four years since head teacher Paul Harris has been there.

Paul, aged 34, was the youngest person at the 10 Downing Street reception and was personally congratulated by Prime Minister Gordon Brown along with 70 teachers from schools across the country.

Since Paul started, the school now has 33 after school clubs including African dance, drama, football and cycling.

Proud parents Phillip and Sue Harris, of Highfield Avenue, Great Sankey, believe their son’s achievement all started at the Heath Road school.

Sue said: “Being made head boy definitely helped him on his way. We know how much effort he puts in and it’s great for somebody to acknowledge his achievements and tell him ‘you’re doing well’.”

“We’re very fortunate to have been blessed with three great children and very proud of them all.”

Paul nearly did not make it to the reception when he thought the invitation was a joke.

Sue added: “He thought someone was winding him up at first, it was only when he rang the number on the invitation that he believed it!”

The head teachers met Vernon Coaker, the minister for schools and learners, as well as Ed Balls, education secretary.

Paul added: “I’m sure Penketh High school has had an influence on what I’ve done at Curwen.

"The invitation was not only recognition for me but for the whole school community.”

By Hannah Bargery