A headteacher has been recognised for her "instrumental" contribution to education in the borough.

Theresa Tunnadine CBE, who leads The Compton School in North Finchley, was today given an honorary degree by Middlesex University in The Burroughs in Hendon.

Her leadership led to The Compton, which is regularly rated ‘outstanding' by OFSTED, being designated as a ‘teaching school’.

The Compton aids in the professional development of headteachers, teachers and support staff as well as contributing to raising standards through supporting other schools in the area.

Ms Tunnadine, who has been at the school in Summer Lane since it opened in 1992, was awarded a CBE for services to education in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

She said: "I am thrilled to be accepting this honorary degree on behalf of the education sector.

“Schools, and headteachers leading them, play a vital role within local communities and I am proud to have been able to serve our community in Finchley for 21 years.

“I am privileged to lead this wider remit providing support for staff and schools across the region."

Middlesex University vice-chancellor, Prof Michael Driscoll, added: “Teresa has been instrumental in the progress of education both locally and nationally.

"Her work to develop the next generation of teachers and headteachers is particularly important in our profession.

“I’m very pleased to mark her impressive contribution with this honorary degree.”