Outstanding history teacher, Kate Dodd, was invited to a reception with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street in celebration of the positive difference teachers make to the lives of students.

Kate says:
“I have been a history teacher at Catmose College for eight years, having previously taken time out of teaching to raise my children. I was thrilled when Rutland and District Schools’ Federation chose me as their representative to visit 10 Downing Street for a reception hosted by the Prime Minister to celebrate the outstanding work of teachers.

Having seen the front of 10 Downing Street so many times on television, it was incredible to walk along the pavement and through the front door in person. As a history teacher the whole experience was fascinating especially seeing the portraits of previous Prime Ministers (definitely room for more women in the future!) on the famous stairs. So many important events of the past have taken place in those very rooms – if only the walls could talk! Theresa May gave a speech in which she praised the work of teachers and asserted her firm belief that education and teachers change lives. She also self-deprecatingly told us how she had not realised this on her first day at school when she had to be carried inside kicking and screaming with the teacher calling her a ‘silly girl’. After standing outside the front door for the must-have photo, I left with a sense that a career which can be both challenging and immensely rewarding had been given some greatly valued recognition.”

We are very proud to benefit from excellent teachers at Catmose College, who provide our students with such an inspirational learning environment.