Andrew Mitchell MP visited the John Willmott school to meet staff and sixth form pupils, including many students who are new arrivals to Sutton Coldfield.

The sixth form at the school has grown significantly and has doubled in size to 100 pupils in recent years with the school adding further academic subjects to the curriculum including geography and history.

Fewer than half of the current cohort were born in Sutton Coldfield and the school has seen a lot of new arrivals from Hong Kong, Nigeria and Portugal with some families making their school applications before they arrive.

During his visit Andrew met the school captains Yasmine, Reuben, Harry & Morgan who are studying a wide variety of subjects.

Andrew spoke about his role as a Member of Parliament, his focus on Sutton Coldfield and some current local issues. He was quizzed by pupils on subjects including the ways in which MPs can represent their constituents, support for asylum seekers, regeneration of our local town centre, assisted suicide and apprenticeships.

Andrew Mitchell said, “It was good to be back at the John Willmott school and to have the opportunity to meet the current sixth form and brilliant school captains. The school continues to grow from strength to strength and it was excellent to see the ways in which the staff are supporting pupils, particularly those that are new arrivals to our Royal Town.”