A HEADTEACHER in Edmonton has said she is “overwhelmed” after being awarded a CBE by the Queen.

Patricia Sowter, principal at Cuckoo Hall Academy, was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours this weekend for her services to national and local education.

She said: “I am overwhelmed and delighted to have been honoured in this way.

“I am of course thrilled to receive the award, but I also feel strongly that it is also recognising the contributions of all the parents and pupils of Cuckoo Hall, past and present, as well as my dedicated team of staff.

“Without their unstinting support, Cuckoo Hall could never have achieved the high standards and success it has attained.

“Every one of us is focused on ensuring that all our children receive the very best education possible and to help them develop to their full potential.”

Mrs Sowter joined Cuckoo Hall in 2002 when it was under-performing and has transformed its fortunes, being rated “outstanding” by Ofsted and in 2010 given academy status.

She is now spearheading efforts to set up the first Free School in Enfield – Woodpecker Hall Primary Academy which is due to open in September.

She is due to go to Buckingham Palace later this year to collect her honour.