The Secretary of State for Education, The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, visited Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School last Thursday to see how they are working together in partnership under the Horncastle Umbrella Trust.
These schools formed the first partnership in the country between a selective grammar school and a secondary modern school.
After the General Election, Victoria praised the work of the Horncastle Umbrella Trust in the House of Commons and invited the Secretary of State to visit the schools.
Last week, the Secretary of State enjoyed a tour of both schools, took part in a question and answer session with pupils from both schools and looked in on several lessons.
Victoria also invited all secondary headteachers in the constituency to meet the Secretary of State to discuss education in the local area.
Education Secretary, The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet the staff and pupils at Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, whose hard work and dedication was clear to see.
These schools have shown just what can be achieved by working together, and why collaboration is key to delivering educational excellence everywhere.”
Victoria said,
“I was delighted that the Secretary of State accepted my invitation to visit the ground-breaking Horncastle Umbrella Trust.
It was a good opportunity for Heather Payne, Headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, and Nicki Shore, Headteacher of Banovallum School, to share with the Secretary of State the success of their schools' partnership as part of the Horncastle Umbrella Trust.
It was evident from the visit that the partnership is broadening the horizons of students at both schools, and I will continue to support their work.
I was also pleased that all local headteachers were given the opportunity to ask questions directly of the Secretary of State.
Education is vital in ensuring successful futures for our children and the Secretary of State showed her commitment to making this happen.”