A Norfolk principal, described by the prime minister as one of the 'country's most inspiring headteachers', was yesterday called on to help the government in its battle against coasting schools.

Rachel de Souza, from Ormiston Victory Academy in Costessey, Norwich, was one of just four school leaders invited to Downing Street for a meeting with David Cameron and education secretary Michael Gove.

A statement released by Number 10 said the event had brought together 'a number of experienced heads with a history of addressing educational under-performance' in order to thrash out the problem of schools that refuse to improve.

Mr Cameron said: 'Last year I spoke out about the scandal of coasting schools – the ones that are content to muddle along without trying hard to improve. These might be schools in leafy areas that get above-average results, or schools in inner cities that have seen flat-lining poor results; what links them isn't the scores they're getting, but the complacent attitude that says things are OK just as they are.'

The Norwich principal was included in the gathering because of her track record for turning around failing schools.

Tonight a Number 10 spokesman said the prime minister felt the meeting has been 'excellent' with 'lots of good input from those attending'.

For more, see tomorrow's paper.