Carmel's Principal, Rob Peacock, attended a reception at 10 Downing Street today.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, wanted to congratulate those colleges who were rated the highest performing or most quickly improved during the last two Ofsted inspection cycles. Carmel’s last Ofsted inspection in July 2007 saw the college achieve a Grade 1 (Outstanding) in every category. In their inspection report Ofsted Inspectors stated “Carmel College is outstanding in all aspects of its provision.”

Principals from the colleges met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “These colleges are among the very best and most improving in the country and I am hugely impressed by their commitment to helping people get the skills, the training, and inspiration to achieve their full potential.

“The Principals, staff and students should be very proud of their achievements, and I am delighted to celebrate their success here in Downing Street.

“Colleges are at the heart of their communities, helping people through the recession and key to the UK’s economic recovery. Training the next generation of engineers, scientists, teachers and designers, they are developing the skills we need to prosper in the decades ahead."

Further Education and Skills Minister Kevin Brennan said: “Further education and sixth form colleges help individuals realise their potential, boost people’s job prospects, strengthen local communities and help employers get the skilled employees they need to grow.

“The colleges here today are among the very best in the country, and I am proud of their efforts to serve their students with high quality education and training.”