Neil Carmichael meets pupils and staff to discuss the future of VBC

Neil Carmichael, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, visited Vale of Berkeley College. He toured the entire school with pupils, met with the Head Teacher and other members of staff, and discussed the threat of closure with a representative group of pupils.

Neil Carmichael commented, “I greatly enjoyed the morning. It was interesting to meet so many pupils who are keen to remain at Vale of Berkeley College and to observe teaching activities in the classrooms. I was left in no doubt about the depth of feeling about threatened closure.”

Neil added, “The Labour Government is recommending that the Vale of Berkeley College should be closed. Graham Badman was appointed by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, to consider options and this is his conclusion. A period of consultation is now underway.

“This is extremely unsettling for pupils, parents and staff. It is also potentially damaging to the local community; Vale of Berkeley College provides useful facilities including a fitness centre opened three years ago by my wife, Laurence, in her capacity as a Stroud District Council Cabinet Member.”

Neil concluded, “I am committed to effective local schools and I believe that this sort of top-down decision making ignores the importance of local opinion and community interests. This is why I am searching for a better solution for the school.”

Picture: Neil Carmichael standing at the front of the building during his visit to Vale of Berkeley College.