Lewes MP visits East Sussex Academy Newhaven

East Sussex Academy’s Newhaven site has welcomed the MP for Lewes, James MacCleary, for a special visit.

The MP for Lewes was welcomed by the CEO of London South East Academies Trust, Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Headteacher of East Sussex Academy, Guy Walsh and Head of Outreach, Claire Muccio.

The team shared the school’s journey so far with Mr MacCleary and highlighted its ambitions going forward. It joined London South East Academies Trust in September 2025, following an academy order being issue by the DfE – and has since been on a journey of rapid improvement.

As an Alternative Provision setting that supports young people who are unable to access mainstream education, the visit provided an opportunity to discuss the wider SEND landscape in East Sussex and the challenges being faced, the national SEND reforms and the work LSEAT is doing in this area.

Mr MacCleary was given a tour of the Newhaven site, seeing different lessons and activities taking place. He met with a group of pupils who asked him about his work and what he is most focused on in Newhaven. The young people spoke about their own concerns, particularly regarding global warming and the amount of rubbish in the local area – as well as sharing their career plans and ambitions.

Speaking during the visit, James MacCleary MP said:

“It was a pleasure to visit East Sussex Academy today, I enjoyed meeting staff and pupils. It was great to see and hear about the important work being done to support young people who need access to this vital alternative provision.

“It is clear that the school plays a vital role in the local community. I welcome the opportunity to continue discussions on how we can strengthen support for SEND and alternative provision across East Sussex.”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said:

“We were delighted to welcome James to East Sussex Academy today. Visits like this are an important part of our civic role, ensuring our local partners and policymakers have the opportunity to see the realities of specialist and alternative provision first-hand.

“As a Trust, we are committed to delivering high-quality education and support for children and young people across East Sussex. Engaging with our local MPs enables us to share our vision, highlight the challenges facing the sector, and contribute meaningfully to shaping future policy.

“We are proud of the work being done at ESA Newhaven and the rapid improvement work being undertaken by leaders and staff here - who I thank for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to continuing this dialogue to help improve outcomes for children, young people and families across East Sussex and beyond.”

The visit forms part of the Trust’s wider strategy to strengthen civic engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of schools, staff and pupils are represented in local and national decision-making.

LSEAT delivers Alternative Provision across East Sussex, helping to ensure that all young people can access appropriate settings. LSEAT also provides an Outreach service in East Sussex, with its team comprising SENCOs, educational psychologists, mentors and behaviour experts. They work with schools and agencies across the county to help prevent avoidable exclusions and support pupils to access specialist provision where needed.

With inclusion at the heart of the Trust’s mission, LSEAT collaborates with many schools and colleges locally, regionally and nationally, exchanging evidence-based practice to ensure the best possible provision for pupils.