MP Welcomes Local Education Head to 10 Downing Street

At a 10 Downing Street event to celebrate schools and teachers from across the UK, Warrington South MP Andy Carter was joined by Louise Smith, CEO of WPAT and Executive Headteacher of Evelyn Street Primary Academy.

During the reception, the pair met with the Schools Minister, Damian Hinds MP, who praised the incredible achievements of the Trust and Evelyn Street in particular, which have led to it being named one of the most successful primary schools in the area.

Having taken on the role of Head Teacher in 2004, Louise Smith has overseen significant improvement in standards at Evelyn Street Primary, after receiving a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2007, followed by an 'Outstanding' rating just four years later.

Last year an astounding 96% of Evelyn Street Primary Academy Key Stage 2 students met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, significantly higher than the 60% average achieved throughout England, with 40% of pupils achieving even higher levels.

Louise subsequently went on to become CEO of WPAT, which was formed in 2016. Evelyn Street Primary is a founding member.

Andy Carter MP said: "I've seen first-hand the fantastic work that Louise has done over the past twenty years, first as Head Teacher at Evelyn Street and now leading the Warrington Primary Academy Trust. Evelyn Street is now one of the top-performing primary schools in Cheshire, and I thought it only right that her achievements should be recognised at this special reception in Downing Street.

"Our local schools are going from strength to strength, with every school in Warrington South now rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. It's a testament to the incredible work of local teachers and our education reforms that we're leading the way in providing our children the best possible start in life at school."

Louise Smith said: "It was a great honour to attend the Number 10 Downing Street reception for community education champions in my role as CEO of WPAT and Executive Head Teacher of Evelyn Street Primary Academy.

"I enjoyed meeting the Schools Minister Damian Hinds who was keen to learn more about the impact the trust is having on education in Warrington and the surrounding area, and the individual achievements of the schools across the trust."

The Schools Minister was also extended an invitation to visit Evelyn Street Primary School for himself and said he would look forward to doing so on a future visit to Warrington South.

Andy Carter, Louise Smith and Damian Hinds, pictured at 10 Downing Street