Headteacher meets Gordon Brown (From Watford Observer)

St Michael's School headteacher meets Gordon Brown at Downing Street reception

11:52am Tuesday 26th January 2010 in News By Michael Pickard

A headteacher has praised his staff and pupils after meeting the Prime Minister at a reception to recognise the most improved schools in the country.

John Murphy announced he will be leaving St Michael's Catholic High School, in High Elms Lane, after 14 years shortly before Christmas.

But his work and that of his teaching staff to raise standards and exam results at the school has been recognised at an event hosted by Gordon and Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street.

Mr Murphy was among 150 headteachers praised for leading the most improved schools in England.

St Michael's, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2007 and 2009, has seen the number of pupils achieving five GCSE A* to C grades rise from 30 to 40 per cent to 94 per cent during Mr Murphy's tenure.

Mr Murphy said: “I go [to the reception] but it's the other staff and kids and parents that I'm representing.

“The Prime Minister spoke to as many people as he could. He spoke to all of us and he thanked us for making it a priority to change the lives of young people and making sure they had the best starts they could. He was very, very affirmative of the profession and very grateful to the headteachers and staff and the schools.

“It's just a recognition of all the hard work that's been put in and all of the dedication staff and children have put in, trying to get good exam results. It's nice someone like the Prime Minister takes the time to express his own thanks to schools for what they are doing. I'm the representative of the hard work of many people.”

Speaking about his decision to leave St Michael's this summer, Mr Murphy said he was “going to do other things”, such as supporting improvement in other schools and continuing his teaching with the Open University.

He said: “I think after 14 years you've probably given your best and have to be humble enough to say you need a change and the school needs a change and someone who can take the school to the next level.

“The school has gone from strength to strength since 1996 and I have got a tremendous team around me. It's been a tremendous success story.

“It's not only about exam results. It's also the buildings in the school. We've been very fortunate to get funding for about £9 million worth of buildings. Our latest one, a sports centre, will open just after half term.”

Watford MP Claire Ward also praised St Michael's “rapid improvement”.

She said: “Headteachers like John have played a pivotal role in driving up standards and fostering a positive environment for learning in their schools, often in very difficult circumstances.

“They represent the crème de la crème of headteachers and are a real credit to their schools and the local communities they serve. John thoroughly deserves this recognition. I know that St Michael’s plays a vital role in education in Watford and I look forward to working with it in its continued improvement.”