On Monday, 27th July, Headteacher Alison Colenso visited the House of Lords to represent Deer Park School at a reception celebrating all the new free schools opening across England this September.
The event was hosted by The Lord Popat of Harrow and Schools Minister Lord Nash spoke to congratulate the new school leaders on their achievements. The event was organised by national education charity, New Schools Network, which provides advice and support to groups wanting to set up free schools.
Speaking at the event, Lord Nash, said: “There can’t be anything more important, particularly at this time in our country, than to be involved in helping in education to improve the life chances of our young people. Nothing can be so vital for the success of our economy and our future, so thank you. I haven’t myself been involved in anything in my entire career as rewarding as being involved in the academy and free schools movement.
“The free schools programme has been highly successful – a quarter of free schools have been judged as Outstanding at their first Ofsted. In the last five years we’ve opened 254 free schools, 43 of which have been special or AP schools.”
Alison Colenso enjoyed afternoon tea and was able to speak to other schools about their opening plans for September. Alison added ‘“Our goal is to be outstanding in everything we do by providing a nurturing environment with the highest expectations for academic achievement, personal development and pupil well-being. We look forward to providing an excellent primary school for the local community and welcoming our first Reception pupils this September.”