JUSTIN TOMLINSON MP: New School success for North Swindon

I first became involved in Politics because I wanted to sort out the hedges at the bottom of my road. I was told that if I wanted action, then I should become a councillor myself and get the problem sorted. So I did.

I then spent 10 years as a local councillor trying to fix local issues, before becoming the MP where I hoped to become a pro-active representative for my fellow North Swindon residents.

And throughout my years as a councillor, and now as the MP, I have come to realise that if politicians work hard, and stand up for their local area, then they can make a tangible difference to their local community.

This was proven on Monday 9 March when it was confirmed that we had secured the funding for not one, but two brand new secondary schools here in Swindon - the first time the government has announced two bids from the same town have been approved together.

For North Swindon residents, this means that the proposed Great Western Academy will be built in the Northern Sector, and will aim to open for 2017, where it will provide a thorough curriculum specialising in maths, business and IT, alongside the traditional subjects.

The school will appoint the best leaders and teachers in order to inspire young people, and will consult with the local community at every stage, in order to give parents the ultimate say in what is best when it comes to teaching their children.

The announcement comes as a culmination of years of hard work by myself, New College, Swindon Borough Council, local councillors, and of course the local residents across the Northern Sector who supported our campaign.

It has truly been the proudest moment so far of being the local MP. After first persuading New College to bid for a new school in the Northern Sector, and then personally lobbying the Secretary of State for Education, I was absolutely delighted to hear that we had been successful.

Having worked tirelessly both in Swindon and Parliament to ensure that this bid was a success, I was also grateful to work closely with Graham Taylor, principle of New College to build the bid and apply for Government funding.

As one of the fastest growing towns in the Country, we had successfully spotted the need for primary school provision alongside the new housing in the Northern Sector. But, it then became clear that more secondary places would soon be required as more and more children would be leaving primary school.

That’s why we spotted the problem quickly and acted swiftly to ensure that we built a new school in time for when the demand for places increases. We have also been sure to emphasise that the new school will put in place a fantastic syllabus in order to drive up standards.

So whilst people often grumble that many politicians don’t do anything, I am extremely proud to be behind such a successful bid that has resulted in a brand new secondary school for North Swindon.

I hope to be able to continue this proactive approach and deliver for local residents. After all, it’s why I got involved in politics in the first place!

Pictured above, Schools minister at UTC swindon

Below, Justin at UTC Swindon on 9 March when School Reform Minister Nick Gibb, second from right, announced the two free schools will be built in the town. Also pictured, from left Swindon Council leader David Renard, UTC principal Angela Barker-Dench, Robert Buckland MP, and Graham Taylor, principal of New College. Image: Richard Wintle of Calyx

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