I have recently met with Joy Mitchell, the Head of North Leamington School and Hayden Abbott, the Head at Kenilworth School. Both schools are in my constituency and many of my constituents’ children are fortunate to secure places there. Both Joy and Hayden have a real passion for their schools – which shines through – and are rightly extremely proud of the achievements of their students.
Kenilworth School and North Leamington School celebrated excellent exam results in the summer of 2016. At North Leamington School, the upward trend in results continued with the Year 13 pass rate reaching 99.5% and a fantastic 82% of students successfully securing a place at university. Superb results at Kenilworth School saw 11% of all A Level exams passed at A*, with forty students achieving straight A grades in 3 or more of their subjects. GCSE results at both schools were similarly impressive. I have no doubt that this success is testament to the students’ hard work and commitment, coupled with first class support from dedicated teachers.
However, both Headteachers recognise that there is more to their schools than the impressive results. Both staff teams emphasise the development of skills such as team building, effort, responsibility and leadership within a school environment that is positive, supportive and forward-thinking.
I come from a family of teachers – both my parents and now my brother too – so I am well aware of the skill and dedication that teaching entails. A good education can be the single greatest transformer of lives and the Government is committed to ensuring every child has an excellent education which allows them to achieve their full potential. I know there are many teachers across the constituency and the country who work long and hard to improve the life chances of our children and young people. I have the utmost admiration for them, in what is often a hugely demanding job.