6 September 2007
Gordon Brown has taken part in the official opening of a new state-of-the-art secondary school in Bristol.
The PM and Children’s Minister Ed Balls visited the newly built Bristol Brunel Academy this morning to meet students and take a tour of the multi-million pound facilities. Mr Brown chatted with year seven pupils in a technology class after viewing the school’s new sports hall and a purpose-built drama studio.
Speaking on the opening of the school, the PM said:
"This is a signal that we are determined that no child will ever be left behind, that every teenager matters.
"Every child I have talked to here has great potential, they have great talents and it’s our job to help them develop those talents."
The £24 million academy, home to more than 1,000 pupils, is the first new school to be opened as part of the Government’s Building School’s for the Future programme, with a further 180 new or newly refurbished schools to open over the next six months.
During the visit the PM and Mr Balls confirmed that a further £21 billion will be pumped into school building and refurbishment over the next three years.
Ed Balls said:
"We have invested unprecedented amounts in school facilities in the last decade to motivate young people and teachers, equip them with world-class facilities and sweep away the legacy of crumbling buildings.
"Today is a watershed in bringing all secondary schools into the twenty-first century and Bristol Brunel Academy sets the standard for future generations. The pioneering design, outstanding ICT resources and first class sports facilities will together create the perfect learning environment and inspire young minds."
Following the visit the academy hosted a Citizens Jury on the issue of education and children’s services, the first such meeting since the initiative was announced by the Prime Minister on Monday.
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