A FORMER Derby head has met Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.

Carol Dover, who retired as head at Lees Brook Community Sports College in Chaddesden in 2008, was among 150 recognised for innovative approaches to education.

During Mrs Dover's 20 years at Lees Brook she turned around poor GCSE results.

She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to London. The secretary of state for children, schools and families Ed Balls was there, also, and they both made us both very welcome."

Mrs Dover, whose maiden named was Dibbs, was responsible for another city school – High View, now known as da Vinci Community College – being removed from special measures.

She was appointed by the city council to take a hand-picked team into the school and improve behaviour and teaching.

Mrs Dover received an OBE from the Queen in last year's June birthday honours list for her services to education.

Mr Brown said: "Head teachers have been pivotal in driving up standards and fostering a positive environment for learning in their schools, often in challenging circumstances.

"They represent the crème de la crème of head teachers and are a real credit to their schools and the local communities they serve.

"Their commitment is truly commendable and I am proud to celebrate their success in Downing Street.

"As we develop chains of schools run by some of the best heads, even more pupils will benefit from the experience of such outstanding professionals."

Representatives from Becket Primary School in Derby and Granville Community School in Woodville were also invited to the event.