Visit to Elizabeth Woodville School

It was a pleasure to recently catch up with Sharan Matharu, the Headteacher of Elizabeth Woodville School, and receive a briefing on their management of the continuing COVID situation.

Afterwards I met with students from Years 7 to 11 to chat with them about their ambitions for their futures. What a great and wide ranging set of interests! Some of their career goals include becoming a musician, a paediatrician, joining the military and working with disadvantaged children. The students also had the chance to ask me lots of questions about my role as an MP, and why I decided to stand for public office. One of their most probing questions was what my proudest achievement as an MP is – it is, of course, leading the Early Years Healthy Development Review, ensuring that every baby gets the best start for life.

I also visited the Elizabeth Woodville school Roade campus, meeting with Head Mark Brennan and sixth form students who are taking A level politics. This impressive group of students asked me a variety of extremely probing questions, and we had an engaging debate on topics such as climate change, the NHS and public sector pay. The students also asked about the role and responsibilities of the Prime Minister, and how I have worked with him over many years.