The Friary School was approached earlier in the year to contribute to the prestigious Parliamentary Review of 2016-2017 in acknowledgement of the excellent practice demonstrated at our school. Indeed, the recognition is very much about the superb contribution of the local Lichfield community to our school’s developments.

The Parliamentary Review is a series of independent publications, which aims to share best practice among policy makers and business leaders. Each of its editions focuses on a key governmental policy area, with a variety of organisations sharing personal insight alongside cabinet ministers, government agencies, associations and trade bodies.

The Secondary Education focus covered schools from across England and gives a comprehensive picture of the current state of secondary education, and the Headteachers who are leading the way in best practice. Nick Gibb and Lucy Powell contribute their views on recent reforms and outlined what they perceive is needed in the future.

The Parliamentary Review is shared with all MPs and major organisations and is very much about flagging up the best practice in the country. It is very much a feather in the school’s cap that we were approached to contribute.

The publication’s release was accompanied by a gala at the House of Commons at which the school was represented by the Headteacher, Matt Allman, and the Chair of Governors, Jamie Checkland. The great and the good were in attendance and guest speakers included political commentator Andrew Neil and football star Frank Lampard. Michael Gove also attended.

Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “We are very proud to be included in this year’s Parliamentary Review, especially because our exemplary practice is all about our city being at the heart of our young people’s learning. Local businesses and community leaders are vital to what we seek to achieve and this is very much praise for everyone, not just our school.”

Jamie Checkland, Chair of Governors, added: “It is fantastic to have our school and city celebrated on the national stage and the recognition reflects our school’s commitment to providing the very best education in our area.”

The Parliamentary Review celebrating the work of The Friary School can be reviewed here.