Published: Saturday, 20th March, 2010 8:00am

Principal meets with PM

THE achievements of East Berkshire College were recognised at a reception with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Former principal of the Langley campus, Jean Robertson, visiting Downing Street on Monday to meet Mr Brown and Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson and be recognised as one of the most improved colleges in the UK.

Last year saw the College achieve record-breaking A-level results for the second year running with a 99 per cent pass rate.

Having led the college for seven years, she said: "Having the Prime Minister and Lord Mandelson recognise that East Berkshire College is among the best and that we put the needs of our communities and learners at the centre of all we do, was a real honour."

Principals from colleges with the highest and most improved Ofsted grades were invited to the prestigious event, along with a number of their successful former students.

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.

"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."

Kate Webb has taken over as the new Principal.