TWO headteachers who have helped their schools boost standards are to meet Prince Charles at a special reception at his Highgrove Home.

Bernadette Bleasdale of St Hilda's Girls High School in Burnley and Michael Humphries of Our Lady and St John RC High School in Blackburn have received invitations from St James's Palace to attend a small reception for heads of secondary schools.

The event on May 24 is for headteachers known for their excellence and the contribution they make to the highest standards of teaching.

The day will begin with a tour of the gardens at Highgrove House before joining the reception which will be attended by Prince Charles.

Miss Bleasdale said: "This came out of the blue. It was a shock to receive the invitation because it wasn't something we had heard about.

"I am delighted to be going. I am pleased more than anything for the school and staff because while it's a pleasure and privilege for me to go, in a sense it is on behalf of everyone. I am really looking forward to it."

Mr Humphries, 60, said the invite was a special surprise in his final year. He added: "I am absolutely delighted. It is such an accolade for the school. I believe the standards here over the last fifteen years have shown all the teachers to be high achievers and I am very proud."

A spokesman for St James Palace said: "The Prince of Wales regularly invites teachers for a get-together at Highgrove but in the past it has been primary school headteachers.

"This time he has invited various headteachers from well-performing secondary schools.

"He takes a great interest in education and this is a chance for him to hear about their experiences and a chance for teachers to meet other professionals in situations similar to their own".