ONE of the town’s most senior figures was invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister earlier this week in recognition of his hard work.

Doctor Nick Capstick, who is the CEO of the White Horse Federation, was among a handful of education leaders to receive an invite for an evening with David Cameron and other senior government officials.

Also present at the event was the education secretary Michael Gove, as well as Sir David Carter the Regional Schools Commiss-ioner for the South West and Dame Rachel D’Souza, CEO of the Inspiration Trust.

The reception was a celebration of pioneering figures in education who have achieved outstanding success in their profession.

It was also a thank you to those who have embraced the government’s agenda for education reform.

The White Horse Federation is a Multi Academy Trust that sponsors six primary schools, one special school. The Ridge-way School recently came under its control.

The event was an informal drinks session at which each of the guest was given the opportunity to chat with Prime Minister David Cameron and Michael Gove.

Nick said: “While I was there in person I do not see this as a personal invitation but more of an appreciation by the Prime Minister and his ministers that I represent the whole of the White Horse Federation.

“It is the stunning work that everyone in the organisation does in whatever capacity to support our children and their families.

“However, I am very proud at being invited and I ensured that I let our Government know what a privilege it is to work alongside my White Horse Federation colleagues.

“With this in mind I would honestly and personally like to say how much I appreciate all that they do, day in and day out, and how I truly recognise the enormous effort every colleague puts into the work for us.

“It was a great honour to be invited and fantastic to be recognised.

“The most important thing though was that it was a celebration of state education.

“It is great to have Swindon represented and to be able to show all the good work which is done here.

The White Horse Federation is based in Swindon and very proud to be so.”