In my view, education is the only silver bullet to improve life chances and build a more prosperous future. I take it very seriously and have visited every single school in the constituency as MP.
In my time as MP, I have visited every single school in the constituency, written to every headteacher, toured hundreds of pupils around the Houses of Parliament, and worked with Government to secure new investment in our schools.
I am proud that, as MP, 17 schools have gone up in Ofsted ratings. This means that 88% of our schools are now rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding'. This is wonderful news.
I have also delivered solid change by securing the entry of 5 local schools onto the national School Rebuilding Programme after RAAC was identified in buildings. Arthur Bugler Primary School in Stanford-le-Hope, Ortu Corringham Primary School, East Tilbury Primary School, Eversley Primary School in Basildon, and St Clere’s School in Stanford-le-Hope will all receive new investment for major rebuilding and refurbishment projects.
I am focussed on ensuring that youngsters can dream big and pursue fantastic careers after they've finished school.
Therefore, during my time as MP, I have been a big proponent of apprenticeships and the huge positives of earning whilst learning. I have met constituents who are apprentices for the Royal Opera House, Leonardo Aerospace, Case New Holland Tractors, and Mitchell & Butlers Pubs. The opportunities are endless and I am pleased to see that there have been consistently 650 new apprentices in South Basildon and East Thurrock every year since 2019.
University isn't the only route and I am pleased to have aided the expansion of T-Levels and apprenticeships in the constituency. A central part of this work has been the expansion of South Essex College and, last year, I was delighted to open South Essex College's new Institute of Technology. This will increase the career opportunities for youngsters, as well as those looking to re-skill.
During my time in Parliament, I have also worked to promote the benefits of science and engineering - subjects which will be increasingly useful in the future. Therefore, I was really glad to recently have the opportunity to invite aspiring engineers from Basildon Upper Academy to Parliament so that they could attend the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Engineering with me. They heard from world-class academics from Cambridge. This is what it's all about - unlocking opportunities and broadening horizons.
Stephen Metcalfe, Parliamentary Candidate for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Lee Chapel Primary School for ‘French Day’ and chatted to pupils about their upcoming trip to the Somme which was organised by the Forget Never Project and the Basildon Twinning Association.
Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the Conservative plan to deliver 100,000 more apprenticeships per year if Rishi Sunak is elected – building on the success of the Government’s national apprenticeship scheme which has benefitted thousands of young people in South Basildon and East Thurrock.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently hosted engineering students from Basildon Upper Academy in Parliament for a lunch on robotics.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Woodlands School in Basildon to meet the Headteacher, David Wright, and congratulate staff and teachers on their recent “Good” Ofsted report.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the great news that 5 local schools affected by RAAC will enter into the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, visited South Essex College at their Basildon campus on Friday 2 February to discuss National Apprenticeship Week.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Briscoe Primary School in Pitsea where he joined the pupil council for a tour and discussions on Parliament and politics.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Hassenbrook Academy to learn about the good progress that has been made to tackle bullying with the Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme.
