Top Education Boss visits West Suffolk Schools

Matthew Hancock MP and David Bell, the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Education, spent Friday visiting three schools in West Suffolk: Breckland Middle School, Mildenhall College of Technology, and Newmarket College. The visit came at a crucial time for the schools of West Suffolk. Breckland Middle School was being closed, but could be saved thanks to the work of SABRES who have submitted a strong application to become a Free School. Mildenhall College of Technology’s buildings are in a shocking state of disrepair, while Newmarket College is rapidly improving under new leadership.

Matthew commented on the Permanent Secretary’s visit:

“The visit was a great success and very constructive. I am grateful to the Permanent Secretary for taking the time to come and visit our schools, which do such invaluable work in my constituency. This was an important chance to make the case for Suffolk’s schools directly to a senior boss at the Department of Education.”

Matthew also commented on each of the schools that he visited with the Permanent Secretary.

Breckland:

“I am glad that the Permanent Secretary has had a chance to see first hand the chances that the new Free School policy has given parents in Brandon to save Breckland School. The Permanent Secretary and I met with the SABRES, who are campaigning to save the school, and we were highly impressed by their energy and commitment. Their campaign has my full support.”

Mildenhall College of Technology

“Mildenhall College of Technology achieves some impressive results, but constantly has to battle against the terrible state of its buildings, which were built 42 years ago to last for 15 years. I will fight to ensure that Mildenhall gets the buildings it needs for the future.”

Newmarket College:

“Newmarket College is at an exciting point in its development. With inspiring new leadership, it is a school very much on the up, and it was a very enjoyable visit.”