This successful comprehensive with high academic standards reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural character of its local community . After talking informally over lunch, Alistair Lexden addressed a group of over fifty sixth-formers and teachers about the work of the House of Lords on February 14.
The issues raised with him in the subsequent interesting discussion included the case for an elected upper house with more younger members, the referendum on Scottish independence, compulsory voting and the future of education with particular reference to the independent/ state school divide, the government’s reforms and the problems caused by family breakdown. The visit was arranged as part of the Lord Speaker’s “Peers in Schools” Outreach Programme.