Maria Miller MP held her regular ‘Community Chat’ session for local residents to discuss Basingstoke’s secondary schools .
Basingstoke parents heard from a panel of speakers, including Natalie Smith, Education Manager at Hampshire County Council, Jean Thorpe, School Improvement Manager at Hampshire County Council, Cllr Arun Mummalaneni Governor at BCOT as well as headteachers Randall Jull of the Costello School, Paul Jenkins of the Aldworth School, Chris Edwards of the Brighton Hill School and Mark Henderson, Principal at QMC.
Hampshire County Council provided an update on the progress that has been made to improves secondary schools in Basingstoke with all bar one now rated by OFSTED as ‘Good’ and it is anticipated that Aldworth School would move to a ‘Good' rating at their next inspection.
Maria said, “Basingstoke parents want the best education for their children, and it is important for them to be able to hear directly from the experts. Our parents have very high aspirations for their children and during the meeting parents underlined the importance they attach to excellence in education for their children. Every school needs to ensure those aspirations can be matched.”
Hampshire County Council also set out how they are supporting children with special needs at a time when demand for support has increased by over 300%. Basingstoke has already received £10.5m of investment from the Government, for new school, Austen Academy, extra provision at South View Infant and Junior schools, alongside increased investment at Coppice Springs Academy, Saxon Wood School and Limington House.
Queen Mary College and Basingstoke College of Technology have a proven track record of successfully supporting young people into the top universities and apprenticeships. Both post 16 providers, outlined the wide range of educational options they offer to young people
During the questions to the panel, a wide range of topics were raised, including 6th forms, school transport in Winklebury, the provision of support for students with special educational needs and turn around time for Educational Health and Care Plans applications.
Maria said, " I hope that this meeting gave parents the opportunity to find out more about our schools and the progress made so far. I would also like to encourage every parent in Basingstoke to consider becoming a school governor and play a crucial role in helping shape our schools for the future.”
Further information about becoming a school governor is available at Apply to be a school governor - Section 1 - Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)