Nick Herbert visits Steyning Grammar School

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert paid a visit to Steyning Grammar School on Friday (16 July) to meet the students, staff and governors.

The MP was able to see for himself the progress being made on the construction of a new Boarding House on the Church Street site which is scheduled to open early next year.

Mr Herbert met with new Headteacher Chris Taylor, who took up his post earlier this year, Chairman of Governors Richard Downes and Governors Marion Gue and John Davies to discuss a number of issues facing the school and to hear about its plans for the future.

He was also given a tour of the Lower School in Church Street and chatted to pupils and teachers in their classrooms.

Steyning Grammar School, which was endowed in 1614, has 2,000 students aged between 11 and 19 located on two sites in the village.  In its last Ofsted report, published in 2009, it was ranked "good" with several outstanding features.

Richard Downes commented: "Nick is a good friend and supporter of Steyning Grammar School and a conscientious MP and it was good of him to find time to meet with us and hear about our developments and plans and discuss educational matters.

"Our students enjoy receiving guests and in this case they were able to start to see the role of the constituency Member of Parliament in action."

Nick Herbert commented: "I was delighted to visit Steyning Grammar School again and to meet the new headteacher.  I enjoy visiting schools in my constituency to find out how things are going and to offer my help with any problems or concerns they may have.  I'm very grateful to the school for inviting me and I look forward to visiting again soon."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For the website of Steyning Grammar School, visit http://www.steyning.w-sussex.sch.uk/.

2. For a copy of the latest Ofsted report, visit http://www.steyning.w-sussex.sch.uk/Websites/steyning/Images/downloads/Welcome%20Page/Ofsted%20Report%20-%20October%202009.pdf.