AN ARCHBISHOP has praised headteachers for the "outstanding work" they achieve in schools.

The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, who led a service at the Secondary Heads Association told delegates their role was "a life of service to the sacred."

He added: "At times you and your colleagues win the public acclaim that you should.

"At times you are the focus of criticism and even scorn. But the influence of a good teacher goes way beyond what is immediately recorded as achievement."