Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently invited a student of the Howard School to 10 Downing Street at a reception to celebrate the success of young people in the community and to see for himself the results behind the school’s motto.

Dean Baker, 17, Head Boy at The Howard School was accompanied to the reception by his local Member of Parliament, Paul Clark.

Mr. Clark had asked the Headteacher, Paul Morris, to nominate a young person who had strived to live by the school’s motto "To strive and achieve is to succeed", following the Prime Minister’s praise of the Howard School motto in a speech setting out his vision for a world-class education system in a speech at the University of Greenwich a few weeks ago.

Dean had worked hard and strove to achieve 12 good GCSEs. In addition Dean has undertaken fundraising activities and voluntary work to help raise money on a number of issues including helping with seeking specialist sports status for the school and 5-aside football teams.

Mr.Clark said, "I am absolutely delighted that a school in our community has been recognised in this way and particularly for Dean who exemplifies what can be achieved and that school mottos can show the way to success and achievement".

"All too often there are negative stories about young people today, which, in my experience is so unfair on the vast majority. Dean shows success is there for all those who wish to strive and achieve to succeed, just as the motto says", added Mr.Clark.