Bramley Grange Academy, a special school for 11–18-year-olds with social, emotional and mental health needs, welcomed its local MP, Sir Jeremy Hunt, for a special visit today.

The MP for Godalming and Ash was welcomed by the CEO of London South East Academies Trust, Dr Sam Parrett CBE and Headteacher of Bramley Grange Academy, Louise Needham.

Sir Jeremy was then given a tour of the school, led by two pupils, Bella (Year 7) and Jayden (Year 11). The MP met with different year groups and saw a variety of curriculum areas in action, including maths, PE and food technology.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the wider SEND landscape in Surrey, and the challenges being seen as demand for special provision continues to increase across the county.

Waverley Borough Councillor (Bramley and Wonersh Ward) and Leader of Waverley Conservative Council Group, Jane Austin, joined Sir Jeremy for the tour – along with Barbara Salvage, Chair of Friends of St Andrew’s & Grafham.

“I’ve very much enjoyed visiting Bramley Grange Academy and seeing the fantastic provision being offered here for children who need access to specialist education.

“Pupils were extremely engaging and clearly very proud of their school, which was great to see. I wish the staff and children all the best with the progress they are making and hope to visit again.”

“We were delighted to welcome Sir Jeremy to Bramley Grange today. Showcasing the hard work and dedication of our pupils and our staff is very important to us.

“We are committed to building and sustaining high quality education for the increasing number of young people needing specialist education in Surrey.

“To ensure we can achieve this mission, working closely with the school’s local partners and stakeholders is crucial. We are therefore extremely grateful to have had the opportunity today to share our vision and plans with them”

“We look forward to collaborating further to help improve and support the SEND system across the country  - to benefit all children, young people and families in all schools.”

“Our pupils and staff have really enjoyed showing their school off to our local MP and we are very grateful to Sir Jeremy for his time. Staff and pupils are working extremely hard – and we are very proud of them all.”