Shadow Minister Wishes All Schools Were Like Tollbar
June 12th, 2008
"If every school was like Tollbar, there would not be a problem with education in the country."
These were the flattering words of shadow schools minister, Nick Gibb MP, who visited Tollbar Business and Enterprise College yesterday.
The Conservative Party front bench spokesman said: "It is a superb school. It is the kind of school that for me forms a model under a Conservative Government which every school will be like in the country.
"If every school was like Tollbar, there would not be a problem with education in the country.
"It is getting schools to this kind of level, which is my determination. We would do that by allowing more freedom for schools. Academies have to be spread more widely.
"As you walk around the school it is immaculate and all the children stand up as you walk in a classroom. Children are relaxed and happy. Behaviour is very good."
Principal of the foundation school, David Hampson raised the issue of SATs exams with the shadow minister. He said they diverted teachers' and students' attention and took up a lot of term time.
Mr Gibb added: "We are going to keep SATs and the National Curriculum. I am always interested to learn, how they can be improved."
Mr Hampson met Mr Gibb at a Foundation and Aided Schools National Association meeting and he invited him to the New Waltham school.
"We are very pleased and proud Mr Gibb has visited us," said Mr Hampson.
"I believe schools should be free from central control and allowed to develop the way they wish."
Cutting from the Grimsby Telegraph – 10 June 2008
