Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP, visited Torbay after local MPs Kevin Foster and Anthony Mangnall invited him to hear directly from local Secondary Heads about the issues they are facing.
The visit started with a meeting hosted by Torquay Boys Grammar School which was attended by Heads from Paignton Academy, St Cuthbert Mayne School, The Spires College, Churston Ferrers Grammar School and Torquay Girls Grammar School. Issues discussed during the meeting included funding for pupils with higher needs, sixth form funding, how future pay and pensions costs would be met and the new OFSTED Framework.
After a constructive discussion the Minister then visited Torquay Girls Grammar School to hear from Dr Nick Smith and pupils about the work being done to inspire healthier lifestyles. This includes encouraging their pupils to pick up 10 habits to living healthier which are common in communities across the world with the highest number of centenarians living in them.
Kevin Foster MP for Torbay said: “This visit was a valuable chance for local schools to speak directly with the Minister about the issues they are facing and for him to see first-hand the excellent work being done here in the bay to give our next generation the opportunities they deserve.”
Anthony Mangnall MP for Totnes said: “"It was a pleasure to welcome to Nick Gibb to South Devon to meet with our Secondary school head teachers. Kevin Foster and I are working together to ensure we secure an improved funding formula for our school as well implementing the new OFSTED framework. All with the aim of delivering greater opportunity for the future of our pupils in South Devon."
