CHEADLE MP, Mary Robinson, recently visited the region’s newest Academy to chat to a group of student ambassadors and find out how the status is helping the school with key decision making.

After the Budget announcement on all schools becoming academies by 2020, Mary took the opportunity to visit staff and students at the Kingsway School in Gatley which converted in February.

She said:  “Academies give headteachers the opportunity to drive improvement in their own schools by allowing them to take more control over budgets so they can take the decisions they believe will improve standards. Speaking to Mrs Lowe I know that both staff and students alike are excited about the opportunities presented by the conversion of their school.”

On the visit, Mary also met with the school’s new Senior Students who will act as ambassadors for the remainder of the year.  One of their first duties was to give Mary a guided tour of the campus before sitting down to have a discussion and get advice from the MP for their roles on leadership.

Mary told the Year 10 students her belief that leadership was about setting an example, serving others and being the driving force behind change for the better.

She said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Kingsway and I wish the Senior Students all the best in their new leadership roles within the school. Remember to work hard, enjoy what you do and leave yourselves open to new opportunities”