A KIDDERMINSTER headteacher has been honoured at a special Downing Street reception celebrating exceptional school leadership.

Dave Seddon, of Baxter College, was one of 90 school leaders recognised for the role they have played in supporting struggling schools, as National Leaders of Education (NLEs).

Gordon Brown, Prime Minister and Ed Balls, Secretary of State for children, schools and families,greeted the NLEs, along with senior staff from the National College for School Leadership (NCSL).

Mr Seddon said: "I felt really privileged. The Prime Minister was interested in the role NLEs take on the ground with their hands on approach to schools."

The NLEs use their success and professionalism as school leaders to provide additional leadership to struggling schools. The NCSL selected Baxter College as a National Support School (NSS) in September, 2006.

Mr Seddon said: "I'm delighted with the progress at Baxter College. There are always going to be hiccups. What you are looking for is continuous improvement."

He added: "It's not a crisis school any more but a school with a lot of future and great prospects."

The NCSL scheme has seen improvements in exam results at both the school receiving the support, as well as the school providing it, since its inception in 2006. There are now 124 NSSs led by NLEs across the country and another recruitment round is planned to further expand the scheme.

Toby Salt, NCSL's strategic director of school leadership development, said: "I am so proud that these school leaders are being honoured in this way.

"NLEs, supported by their schools, are working extremely hard to ensure that excellent school leadership and the best possible opportunities are available to as many children as possible."

He added: "More than 30,000 children have now benefited from the scheme and grades at supported schools have seen unquestionable improvements.

"This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in our National Support School scheme."

Mr Seddon and the other NLEs were guests at Downing Street last Thursday.