Heads from St Edmund's RC Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, and All Saints’ CEVC Primary School, in Lawshall, attend Buckingham Palace garden party

School leaders from West Suffolk have had ‘an amazing experience’ at Buckingham Palace.

Yesterday, Maria Kemble, executive head of St Edmund's RC Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, Clare Lamb, headteacher of All Saints’ CEVC Primary School, in Lawshall, and Suzanne Kemp, deputy at All Saints’, attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace with King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla.

The afternoon was arranged to recognise the importance of education and the contribution of those who work with children and young people.

Mrs Kemble, who is also executive head of St Joseph's RC Primary, in Sudbury, said: “The gardens at the palace were beautiful and we were able to walk around the lake and through the rose garden.

“The afternoon tea was delicious - dainty rectangular sandwiches, lovely cakes and scones. The scone had the cream on first, topped with jam so now we know how they should be served!

“It was an amazing experience and wonderful to have had the opportunity to be part of a day that celebrated the value of education and have our work recognised in this way.”

Mrs Kemble and Ms Lamb were both nominated by the Department for Education (DfE) to be invited.

They are part of the Primary Headteacher Reference Group and work with the DfE on a regular basis to offer advice regarding education policy.