Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, recently welcomed a group of students from Castledon School on their visit to the Palace of Westminster, where they took a guided tour of Parliament, before meeting their local MP.
Mark recently visited Castledon School, where he met with the Principal, Mrs Philippa Holliday, in order to be updated on the school’s plans to form a sixth form, something which was discussed with the students following their tour of the Palace.
The students were met in Westminster Hall by their guide, before going on a tour which included viewing the chambers in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, as well as the Royal Gallery – all of which featured in the recent State Opening of Parliament, where HM The Queen officially opened Parliament for this session.
Following the tour, Mark met the group in Westminster Hall for a discussion where he was able to explain a little more about the history of the building as well as answering questions from the group about his role as a local MP. Mark then distributed certificates for each visitor to help commemorate their trip.
Commenting on the visit, Mark said:
“I was delighted to meet with the staff and pupils of Castledon School following their visit and to learn that they had enjoyed their visit to Westminster. It was also good to have an opportunity to speak with some of the pupils about the plans for a sixth form, which seemed to be an important issue for them and one which they very much supported. I will continue to support the school’s bid to become a sixth form and look forward to welcoming a second group from Castledon School to Westminster in the next couple of months.”