This evening I joined with staff and governors at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA) School to celebrate their extraordinary achievements following an Ofsted inspection that rated the school as “outstanding” on every measure.

EGA was formed in 1984 and has since developed an international reputation, having been visited by US First Lady Michelle Obama.

It was a privilege for me to join friends at EGA and celebrate to the amazing work that the staff and governors do, and specifically to pay tribute to four retiring governors, Christine Jude (who served for 11 years), Phil Kelly (13 years), Geoff Payne (16 years) and Andrew Bosi (31 years).

It was also an opportunity for me to thank the school on behalf of the parents and youngsters I represent, and the governors for sharing their wisdom.

I was especially pleased to congratulate Andrew Bosi, who has served as a governor for as long as the school has existed. His impact has been so great that the school has chosen to recognise his contribution by awarding an annual prize for maths in his name.

Andrew’s 31 year tenure has spanned a period of extraordinary change -; including the move from O levels to GCSEs, the introduction of a national curriculum, the birth of Ofsted and a complete rebuild of the school itself.

It’s testament to the school’s leadership that even during such a period of change the pupils have gone from strength to strength. EGA girls always make an impression on everyone they meet and I’m proud to represent the school.