From time to time various publications carry question and answer features on public figures, revealing such nuggets of information as their favourite film and the like.

Often they include the question: "Who is your hero?", which I've always found a tough one to answer.

The dictionary defines a hero as someone distinguished by "exceptional courage, fortitude and strength" and I don't see how this applies to a footballer, pop star or actor simply going about their business - talented though they might be.

But one of the advantages of being an elected Mayor is that you get to meet some remarkable people who leave a lasting impression - life's real "heroes".

Recently, at the awards night presentation at Newlands School, Middlesbrough, I met 16-year-old Danny Woodhouse. The school motto is "With Courage and Honour" and if they did a GCSE in that, Danny would get an A*.

Born with Morquio's Syndrome (which means his internal organs continue to grow while his skeleton does not), Danny was given only a few years to live. Remarkably, he has managed to survive and lead an active and fulfilling life.

But a year ago Danny underwent major surgery which, tragically, resulted in paralysis from the neck down and he will be paraplegic for the rest of his life. He is now back home where he requires constant nursing.

Danny was a valued member of the school community at Newlands. He worked well in class, homework was always done, he had loyal friends and displayed an endearing sense of humour.

So staff and pupils agreed a special award be made to Danny in recognition of his courage and perseverance and the positive contribution he has made to school life. If courage, fortitude and strength define a hero, then Danny Woodhouse is your man, and it was a real honour to meet him and his inspirational parents.

And, to me, this story also confirmed something that many people in education have raised: that the true qualities of a school cannot be defined simply from exam results.

League tables based on exam passes can be useful in that, over time, they give an indication of whether a school is improving. They also focus minds on the importance of qualifications.

But The Northern Echo had the good sense to point out that tables are not a realistic way of comparing the teaching merits of one school with another. Schools in disadvantaged areas are measured by the same yardstick as those in affluent suburbia.

In addition, the tables reveal competence in maths, English and science, but nothing about pupils' social skills, sincerity, compassion and general outlook on life.

Because central to the Danny Woodhouse story are the education and social services staff, the teachers and teenagers of Newlands who were determined that he be given a chance of "inclusion".

Danny succeeded and participated in school life to the full - forging friendships that will stay with him for the rest of his life. In return, I know staff and pupils have been inspired by Danny and his parents and have learned life lessons from them.

This is the very heart and soul of what good schooling is about and it deserves highlighting. You won't find it recorded in a league table, so I've recorded it here.