The biggest challenges facing our schools in Penrith and The Border are those of distance and sparsity. We have the country’s smallest secondary school and its smallest sixth form college. The threat of closure is ever present for many of Cumbria’s smallest and most rural primary and secondary schools. We must do all we can to protect our schools: they form the life and heart of every village.
My colleagues and I have lobbied the Education Minister strongly to ensure the National School Funding formula recognises the unique needs of our rural schools, and provides them with additional financial support. I have worked closely with head-teachers and Cumbria County Council to establish a fair allocation of resources in Cumbria, favouring our smaller schools.
COUNCIL LEADERS OPEN NORTH EDEN SCHOOL COUNCILS DEBATE Rory opened the School Councils of North Eden (SCoNE) debate at the Town Hall in Penrith on Friday 8 October, meeting students and teachers of schools from Calthwaite, Greystoke, Langwathby, Lazonby, High Hesket, Kirkoswald, Patterdale, Penruddock, Plumpton, Skelton and Stainton and joining Chairman of Eden District Council […]
SHANKHILL PRIMARY SCHOOLCHILDREN WIN PARLIAMENTARY AWARD FOR INTERNET Shankhill Primary School yesterday won a prestigious parliamentary prize for their work on the internet. They received the £1,200 prize at a ceremony in parliament with Rory Stewart MP. Rory also gave them a tour of parliament. The prize was in the North-West section of the Make […]
Transcript A man may not make a maiden speech twice. Due to a misunderstanding in Westminster Hall, I appear to have lost my maidenhood, so I apologise to the House. I would like to speak about amendment 71, but very briefly, with your permission, Mr Caton, I would like first to pay tribute to my […]