Chloe Smith MP visits Open Academy

Norfolk's newest MP visited the county's newest school today as Chloe Smith visited the Open Academy in Norwich.

The Open Academy is Norfolk's first Academy school and yesterday was celebrating as the £21 million building was topped-out, marking a major milestone in the school's development.

Ms.Smith toured the school and the new building before joining in a meeting of the school council to discuss government and education. Cameron Phillips, Vice Principal at Open Academy, said, "For many of our students this was the first time they had ever had the opportunity to meet an MP and for them to find out that their representative in parliament is approachable, fun and someone they could really relate to, was a real revelation.

"Too often young people in particular see government as being remote and irrelevant. But meeting Chloe Smith, hearing about her work, views and concerns and having the opportunity to discuss their ideas and challenges has, I'm sure, brought it home to them that they can and should get involved."

Commenting on the visit, Chloe said "It is very good to meet the staff and students while the new buildings are coming on every day, and to be able to congratulate them on their hugely improved exam performance this summer.

It's great to see such progress from a new school. It's important that children get a good start and I'll be doing my best as the Open Academy's local MP to support it as it progresses. I think the academy model can be a very positive one for a local area."