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Upper Shirley High head Cassie Ellins visited Downing Street


THE transformation of a Southampton school was the toast of Downing Street when the Prime Minister held a reception to celebrate the improvements in education across the country.

Cassie Ellins, head teacher of Upper Shirley High School, was invited by Gordon Brown to the event organised for those running the schools which have made most progress in results, who he described as the "crème de la crème" of their profession.

Ms Ellins admitted being excited to stand on the steps of Number Ten, and to get the chance to again meet education secretary Ed Balls and schools minister Vernon Coaker, both of whom visited Upper Shirley last November.

"I was delighted to be invited by the Prime Minister to 10 Downing Street to celebrate the achievements of this school, along with other heads from across the country," she said.

"Gordon Brown personally thanked us for raising standards in our schools.

"Given the students that we had last year, we were delighted that we helped each and every one to achieve their own potential, which is always our promise to our parents."


Your Say YourEcho

freemantlegirl2, Southampton says...
9:13am Mon 1 Feb 10

Mrs Ellins is a star. My son was there when she arrived and pulled that school around out of special measures in just about a year and set the very high standards she has now for staff and pupils. I hope the Local Education Authority can use the good experiences of Upper Shirley to improve others in the city. Southampton CC DO NOT allow her to be poached!

hulla baloo, Turkey says...
10:04am Mon 1 Feb 10

Well done to her, but I would class a visit to see that lot as a punishment.

Condor Man, Southampton says...
1:08pm Mon 1 Feb 10

Bellemoor was a disgraceful school so any improvement is commendable. The challenge now is to win back local families who were sending their kids either to Romsey or paying for private eduacation.

Comments are closed on this article.

Number Ten trip for head teacher Number Ten trip for head teacher

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