PRIME MINISTER CELEBRATES THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMING COLLEGES IN ENGLAND

Collyer's Principal Dr Jackie Johnston joined other leaders of the highest performing colleges in England, to celebrate the institutions' achievements in Downing Street last week.

Dr Jackie Johnston was among Principals from other successful colleges who 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 improvingin the country and I am hugely impressed by their commitment to helping people get the skills, the training, andinspiration to achieve theirfull potential."

"The Principals, staff and students should be very proudof their achievements, andI am delighted to celebrate their success here in Downing Street."

Jackie Johnston was thrilled to attend: "The colleges represented here today are the very best in the country, so I am incredibly proud to be here flying the flag for Collyer's."

Lord Mandelson said:

"It is right that we celebrate excellence and these colleges are beacons of success that we can all be proud of."

For further information contact: Frances Boulter (Marketing Manager) on 01403 210822