The headteacher of Pencombe Primary went to Buckingham Palace last week, where she talked to the Queen and Prince Andrew about local issues, such as isolation in rural areas and the problems facing small rural schools.

Chloe Evans was put forward for the visit by Herefordshire LEA, because of the school's excellent record.

Inspectors who carried out the last OFSTED report, in 1998, found there were no "key issues" that needed addressing.

Ms Evans said of her day at the Palace: "It was a really special day, and everyone was very well informed about the area, rural issues and mixed age classes. It was very heartening.

"The Queen came across as very genuine, and able to reach out to people. I was surprised how informal everything was."

The Queen enquired as to how many pupils attended Pencombe Primary, and was not surprised when informed that there were just 51.

Ms Evans was among 1,000 other teachers in the State Rooms, for a special "Theme Day".

The head of English at the John Masefield High School, Martyn Moxley, was also there.

Ms Evans had a long conversation in particular with Prince Andrew, on the subject of performance-related pay.

She said: "I explained how, in small schools, results could be skewed by small numbers of pupils."

The food included asparagus tarts, wild mushroom slices and sweet corn wrapped in smoked salmon.