Trudy's Whitehaven News column from July 12, 2023:
I’d like to begin this month’s column by extending my huge congratulations to everyone at Whitehaven Academy for achieving such a glowing report from Ofsted.
The transformation in the school has been absolutely remarkable, and to have this significant progress formally recognised by Ofsted’s inspectors is icing on the cake.
It’s been well publicised that the academy was in a bad place only a few short years ago and was in dire need of investment and improvement. But thanks to the tenacity of the parents and campaigners, and the skill and dedication of the headteacher Nigel Youngman, the staff and the new trust, the pupils are now thriving in a brand new school.
The inspectors have rightly identified so much that is good about the school, including the behaviour and attitudes of the pupils and the ambition of the leadership, and all this and more has been evident each time I have had the pleasure of visiting. The school was also warmly praised by Robert Halfon MP, the Minister of Skills and Apprenticeships, during his recent visit.
The success is testament to the whole school community, and I am thrilled for everyone involved.
Following recent positive Ofsted reports for Beckermet and Moresby schools, it’s clear that our children’s education is in safe hands in Copeland.
While I’m extending congratulations, I’d like to congratulate our businesses from the Copeland constituency who were recognised at Cumbria Tourism’s Awards last week; Bassenthwaite Lake Station (Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award) and The Infinity Bridge at Honister (Experience of the Year).
While the prestigious Tourism Personality of the Year went to Peter and Iona Frost-Pennington, from Muncaster Castle, who have been rightly recognised for their lifelong services to tourism. Following their recent Visit England Award for Excellence, it is much deserved recognition for a family that has supported our area’s tourism offer for so many years.
I’d like to end with a word on nuclear. As reported in last week’s Whitehaven News, I recently met with new Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie to reinforce the message that nobody does nuclear better than West Cumbria.
Our meeting took place the day the Prime Minister reaffirmed his ongoing ambition to SMRs and new nuclear during Prime Minister’s Questions, while Minister Bowie spoke later that week at the Northern Nuclear Conference in Carlisle to outline the Government’s commitment to nuclear as the clean, green, secure energy source that it is.
New nuclear has never had more momentum and I will continue to work hard to ensure Copeland is at the forefront.
