Sir Gavin Williamson visited Stafford Grammar School to discuss a range of local and national issues as well as to meet with the Headteacher.
Sir Gavin held a question and answer session with pupils from Years 8 through to Sixth Form on a range of topics including reforming the House of Lords, Elon Musk, the proliferation of social media, and the impact of overdevelopment in Staffordshire.
Following this, Sir Gavin held a discussion with the Headteacher Mr Pietrek as concerns were raised regarding the Government’s decision to implement VAT on private school fees.
The school was founded in 1982 by a group of local parents. It is based in a Victorian Manor House, originally designed and built for the Whitgreave family by Augustus Pugin. Many of the original design features such as the integrated chapel and the folly are still intact, though neither of these are currently in use. The school currently has 430 pupils on its roll with ages ranging from four to 18.
Headteacher, Mr Pietrek said: “It was wonderful to welcome Sir Gavin to Stafford Grammar School. His enthusiasm and engagement with the pupils was absolutely fantastic and we were all given the opportunity to ask Sir Gavin questions on a range of topics.
“Sir Gavin gave very generously with his time and the pupils were totally engaged – it will be a most memorable visit for our school community.”
Sir Gavin said: “It was such a pleasure to visit Stafford Grammar School and I was thoroughly impressed with the facilities as well as the broad curriculum on offer.
“The pupils asked many intriguing questions and were very engaged with local and national topics as well as sharing a deep interest in the communities they live in.
“It is clear that deep concerns remain regarding the imposition of VAT on private school fees. This is simply the politics of envy and is creating such concern for parents and schools alike. I will continue to urge the Government to reverse this damaging decision.”
