On Friday 1 December, I was delighted to welcome Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education to the Bexhill and Battle constituency to visit two of our amazing secondary schools.

Our first visit was to Heathfield Community College where we were welcomed by Headteacher, Caroline Barlow. The visit included a tour of the College, and some high-quality learning in a range of lessons, speaking to Year 7, 11 and 6th Form students in both English and Chemistry lessons. The Secretary of State then actively engaged in discussions with the School Council who were focusing on the use of technology, including AI, to support learning in lessons as well as independent revision and homework.  

Gillian Keegan was impressed with the College's use of technology and how articulate and impressive the students were.

We then went onto Claverham Community College for a tour of the impressive new school building by some of the student leadership team. We were joined by Headteacher Mr Swatton, school governors and the school design team from the Department for Education. Following the tour,  a number of students had the opportunity to ask Gillian questions relating to the education system including the curriculum use of Artificial Intelligence and the issue of transport for students over 16 continuing in compulsory education.

The new school has been designed around the needs of modern school life. It is bright, spacious and welcoming. It was good to see this level on investment in Battle's outstanding secondary school.