Nicky Morgan hears views of Oasis Academy Coulsdon students on EU referendum and other political issues:

On Wednesday 22nd June Oasis Academy Coulsdon was visited by Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education.  During the visit, the Secretary of State met with a group of Year 10 students to hear their views on the forthcoming referendum and other political issues.  The discussion saw students display an impressive grasp of the issues on both side of the debate but express their concern about the tone and conduct of some aspects of the national discussion over recent weeks.

Students also quizzed the Secretary of State on changes to GCSE assessments, her routine as a cabinet minister and what inspired her to enter politics.

The decision by Nicky Morgan to visit the Academy was made in part because of school’s achievement in being named ‘Croydon Secondary School of the Year’ in 2015.  The award, selected by the Council’s chief executive and the Council’s leadership team, recognised the Academy’s impressive improvement in attainment.  In summer 2015 66 percent of final year students achieved five GCSEs at grade A* to C, including English and maths, a dramatic increase of 23 percentage points from 2014.

Andy Booth, Principal of Oasis Academy Coulsdon says, “We are proud of the incredible transformation at the Academy and to have this further acknowledged by a visit from the Secretary of State for Education has given a morale boost to staff and students.  It was great to see some of our young people discuss the EU referendum and other issues with Nicky Morgan.  They might not have a vote yet, but it’s clear and encouraging to see that they still have strong opinions on the issues that will have a profound impact on their future.”

Oasis Academy Coulsdon is an inclusive, community Academy located on Homefield Road in Old Coulsdon.  It is part of the Oasis family of Academies.  In recent years, Oasis Community Learning has opened 47 Academies, most of which had predecessor schools that had been failing for many years.  Today, the majority are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted and are committed to delivering the best possible education as well as nurturing positive character development in young people.  Each Oasis Academy is committed to playing an active role in its local community.