Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP was given a whistlestop tour of St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby – the UK’s greenest primary school.
The visit was organised by Catherine Atkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Derby North.
The original St Mary’s building burnt down in October 2020 and reopened in 2023 as the country’s first biophilic school, as part of a pilot project by the Department for Education.
Bridget Phillipson MP met with leaders at St Mary’s and the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. She was also given a tour of the school by pupils.
She said: “Spending time with the pupils and teachers at St Mary’s was inspiring. Their energy in the classroom and the care they show for their school community capture everything we want for children here in Derby and around the country.
“I’m proud to support the staff who go the extra mile for their pupils every day, giving every child the best start in life.”
Catherine Atkinson MP said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome the Education Secretary back to Derby – this time to St Mary’s. She cares deeply about local communities and is driving a truly child-centred government that listens to families and puts children first.
“I’m determined to work side by side with government, families, teachers and local partners to break down the barriers that hold our children back. Every pupil in Derby deserves the support and opportunity they need to reach their full potential.”
Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher at St Mary’s who oversaw the new build project, said: “We were delighted to welcome Bridget Phillipson MP to our thriving school and share the school’s journey from the fire to the opening of our new biophilic school. We were excited to share the tangible impact a biophilic school can have on pupils’ academic, social and emotional development. The children were so proud to show the Education Secretary around the site; spending time in classes, the chapel, courtyards and other outdoor spaces which collectively enhance their learning experiences each day.”
Kevin Gritton, St Ralph Sherwin Trust CEO, said: “We would like to thank Bridget Phillipson MP for taking the time to visit St Mary’s to meet the staff and pupils and our thanks also go to Catherine Atkinson MP for organising the visit. The pupils did a fantastic job of showing her around their wonderful school and they asked some very insightful questions.”
