Shrewsbury School welcomes MP to discuss important partnership work

Shrewsbury School was delighted to welcome Andrew Lewer MP to talk with staff and pupils about partnership and engagement across school sectors.  

Mr Lewer, who is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Independent Schools, met with Headmaster Leo Winkley, Head of Partnership and Community Engagement Stuart Cowper and received a guided tour of the school with pupils. Mr Lewer then discussed his career as a Politician with Politics pupils over lunch. 

During his visit on Monday staff and pupils spoke to Mr Lewer about our community engagement and volunteering at Shrewsbury, as well as discovering more about our cross-sector partnerships with independent and state schools.  

Headmaster Leo Winkley said: “Andrew Lewer MP kindly attended the launch event of the School Partnerships Alliance at the House of Lords in January.  This new charity, of which I am a founding trustee, works to enable and promote partnership across all types of schools to extend opportunities for all children.   

“As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Independent Schools, Andrew appreciates the value independent education brings to the national education system and the role our great schools play on the global stage.  It was terrific that he took up my invitation to visit Shrewsbury and spend the day with us, meeting pupils and colleagues involved in our award-winning community engagement programme.” 

Stuart Cowper, Head of Partnership and Community Engagement said: “Mr Lewer took time to find out more about the School's involvement with the wider community, looking at our broad-ranging academic, cultural and sporting partnership work locally and he was interested to learn that we are about to launch programmes with Alpha Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.   

“He was impressed to learn about our historic link with The Shewsy in Everton noting that reciprocal visits had taken place in recent days to bring students and youth club members together.  He was fully supportive of the cross-sector partnership work seeing this as mutually beneficial for all involved.” 

Dr Richard Kowenicki, Deputy Head Academic, added: “Andrew has the impressive distinction of being the only person in the UK to have ever served as a Council Leader, MEP and MP. He drew on that broad political experience as he answered pupil questions over lunch on the importance of independent schools, politics in the school curriculum and his own political journey.” 

Oliver F (PH, UVI) and Iris D (G, UVI) were on hand to give Mr Lewer a guided tour of the School.  

Oliver said: “Our discussions highlighted the significance of Mr Lewer’s role in the group for schools such as Shrewsbury and the importance of having positive advocates of independent schools in Parliament at this time of increasingly polarised politics.  Mr Lewer’s insight into contemporary political issues and discussion of the ever-evolving nature of modern politics offered a profoundly valuable experience. 

Iris added: “I had a wonderful time showing round Mr Lewer; he offered a very insightful explanation of the life of an MP, which seems to be extremely busy! From meeting with schools and doing visits, to being part of committees and trying to impact legislation; it seemed like there's never a dull moment. He was truly open and honest when it came to answering questions. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet him and learn more about the practical side of politics.”