Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, recently visited the picturesque Prior Park College to meet with sixth form students and members of the senior leadership team.
Nestled on the western edge of the eponymous 18th-century garden, Prior Park is a co-educational independent school which caters for both boarding and day pupils. Founded in 1830, the college lists curiosity, generosity and courage among the key values it tries to instil in all its students.
After a warm welcome from Headteacher, Ben Horan, Wera, a former teacher, opened her visit by giving a brief speech about her personal journey and the experiences which inspired her political career. The assembled sixth form students, studying a wide variety of A-Levels ranging from Sciences to History, Psychology, English, Spanish and DT, enjoyed a stimulating Q&A session with the MP.
They debated topics ranging from knife crime, NHS waiting lists for mental health issues and even police ‘stop and search’ powers. The students were particularly engaged in the subject of how democracy works, the separation of powers and the conflict facing parliamentarians as they try to balance competing interests in an ever more challenging world with increasing demands on budgets.
Wera also touched on the subject of Europe and the long-lasting damage done by Brexit, and implored the students to become involved in politics to protect and influence their futures.
Following her lively discussions with the students, Wera then joined them and other members of the College’s Leadership Team to continue the conversation over lunch in the canteen.
“It was a pleasure to be able to welcome Wera to Prior Park College today,” said Ben Horan, Head of Prior Park College. “Given the level of negativity in the news, it is easy to think of today’s teenagers as politically disengaged and overawed by the scale of the challenges facing them in our complex world. We know that today’s teenagers are tomorrow’s voters, councillors and MPs. We know that they care about making a difference to their world.
“For Prior Park’s students to be able to talk to Wera, their local MP, was a great privilege. It allowed them to hear her erudite and nuanced thoughts on a range of issues. They were able to talk to her and learn from her about her work in helping to find solutions for the challenges we all face – from the local right through to the global. It was an inspirational day for them.”
Wera commented, “I always value the opportunity to engage with young people and the students at Prior Park were no exception. Their passion, optimism and thoughtful questions were truly inspiring and reassured me that the future of the world is in safe hands.
“It was a real treat to visit such a beautiful and historic school. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Prior Park for the warm and enthusiastic welcome.”
