Super Sunbury Manor's Louise Duncan at Downing Street

And last Tuesday she, along with the other winners, enjoyed a wine reception with the Prime Minister and Ed Balls, the Secretary of Education, as well as the freedom of Number Ten as a reward.

She said: "It was amazing. The whole day was really special, from being taken to London and walking down Downing Street, to meeting the Prime Minister and walking around the place - it was incredible.

"We were there for one-and-a-half hours and they let us look at what we wanted, so I saw the Cabinet Room, the State Banquet Room and when I looked in the garden and saw the trampoline it really hit home that it was a family home as well as the centre of power."

Mrs Duncan spoke to Mr Balls about her school and then listened to a speech from Mr Brown, which emphasised the outstanding achievements of the gathering.

Mrs Duncan was one of 13 regional winners, who were then cut down to a final three. They were invited to the televised awards ceremony in Tower Bridge, which hosted by Christine Bleakley and Jeremy Vine.

She just missed out on winning overall, but was still amazed at being thought of so highly by the judges.

"It's such a huge compliment to be recognised, not only for me but for the school as well," she said.

"I am very lucky to work at Sunbury Manor, it's a special place and this award is for all the staff and pupils who make it happen."

Luckily for the school's 1,062 pupils, success isn't going to Mrs Duncan's head and she has no plans to leave.

"I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be," she added.

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