An education director was toasted by the Prime Minister at a Downing Street reception.

Lee Bradbury, director of humanities for the BMAT group of schools in Harlow, Epping and Stansted, was invited to Number 10 in recognition of his contribution to the education sector.

He was nominated by Helena Mills CBE, BMAT CEO, who said: “Mr Bradbury is an ex Burnt Mill Academy student who has devoted years to raising standards for students in his home town. He is an inspiring and committed teacher.

“I know as a big royalist he really wanted to go to Harry and Meghan’s wedding, so this was the next best thing as a reward for him.”

The evening event was hosted by Theresa May and Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds.

Mr Bradbury, who also met minister for schools Nick Gibbs, Secretary of State for Children and Families Nadhim Zahawi and Lord Lucs, said: “It was an opportunity to meet other teachers from primary and secondary schools around the country and to discusses issues within education with ministers. There was a wide range of people there, from CEOs and headteachers to classroom practitioners and NQTs.

“The ministers were asking questions and listening to what we had to say.

"I brought up the historic need for a sixth form in Harlow and the fact we need to get budgets expanded. It was quite helpful and good to feel I had an opportunity to have my say.

“We were all quite overawed by our surroundings in Downing Street. It was a really nice experience and great to get a pat on the back.”