SIDMOUTH College, part of the Ted Wragg Trust family of schools, welcomed Richard Foord, MP for the Honiton and Sidmouth constituency, for a visit this month.

Mr Foord attended one of the meetings of the Sidmouth College Student Leadership Team, where the students asked him an array of interesting and probing questions.

The topics included proposed changes to Inheritance Tax, trail hunting, potholes and education funding in Devon. Those in attendance also took the chance to convey their support for the proposed cycle path between Sidbury and Sidford.

The Sidmouth College Student Leadership Team is a group of students elected to act as the official voice of all students. Its members discuss and decide on issues that matter to students and are of wider benefit to the college as a whole.

Before being elected as an MP in 2022, Richard Foord worked for the University of Exeter and the University of Oxford. 

He has spoken in the House of Commons about the unique challenges faced by schools in more rural areas and how large catchment areas can mean that students must travel long distances to get to school. 

Mrs Lisa Whitworth, headteacher at Sidmouth College said: “Our students were glowing ambassadors for Student Leadership here at Sidmouth College during Mr Foord’s visit and we are immensely proud of them.  We look forward to welcoming him back in the near future to continue our discussions around democracy and change at both a local and national level.”

Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “I want to say thank you to Mr Foord for taking the time to meet with some of our Sidmouth students.  Listening to the views of young people is important for politicians and all of those working in education.  Understanding what they are concerned about and what they support is vital if we are to provide them with schools that they love coming to.”