The headteacher of West Meon Primary School went to Downing Street with MP Flick Drummond recently to attend the Community Education Champions Reception.
Julie Kelly was nominated by Flick for her dedication to her school. She also does a huge amount of work on rural schools and works with the Portsmouth diocese on church schools.
She met with the schools minister Damian Hinds and others from across the country who were honoured for their roles.
Before the event, the head was given a tour of the Palace of Westminster.
Julie said: "I was delighted to have been nominated by Flick Drummond, as a Community Education Champion, which was really special.
“Flick escorted me across to number 10 and once inside she showed me around the wonderful building with places used for state visits and televised meetings, as well as artefacts gifted by other countries.
“While we mingled and sampled the canapes, she steered me towards Damian Hinds, whom I had met before, but it gave me an opportunity to talk to him specifically about small schools and general funding. He and Flick are very supportive of small schools and securing their future in our communities.
“The day was very special and after forty years in education, it was great to have my work over the decades recognised, and to hear Damian thank school leaders and their staff for their tireless work.”
Meon Valley MP Flick added: “I have been to West Meon Primary School on several occasions. It is a lovely school and its head is an inspiration. She was just the right person for me to nominate to go through the famous black door and I am pleased she has been recognised for her four-decade long dedication to teaching.”
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