A REDDITCH headteacher has been personally thanked for her hard work and dedication by Prime Minister Theresa May at a reception at Number 10 Downing Street.

Sheila Holden, from Pitcheroak School, recently attended the special event, which saw the PM emphasise 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 in a bid to reduce unnecessary workload and enable teachers to get on with the job.

Ms Holden was invited to the reception by MP Rachel Maclean.

Mrs Maclean said: “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 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.”