Students, pupils and staff from across Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust welcomed various members of the Department for Education (DfE) on Wednesday to give tours, answer questions and speak about their experience in education.

The group of professionals from across the DfE met in the morning at Bedelsford School in Kingston for an introduction from CEO & Principal Dr Caroline Allen and Executive Head & Deputy CEO John Prior. Following this overview of the organisation everyone split into smaller groups to enjoy visits of different College Centres and schools within OHCAT.

Groups were taken to Nightingale Community Academy in Wandsworth, St Philip’s School in Surbiton, Bedelsford School in Kingston, Carew Academy in Wallington, and College Centres Beaconsfield in New Malden and VPC in Carshalton. This gave delegates the opportunity to meet students and see first-hand the amazing progression and personal experiences of our students and pupils. Feedback from everyone from the DfE was extremely positive, they truly benefitted from this opportunity to understand more about the environment in which their partners operate and the leadership challenges they face.

Students and pupils enjoyed the responsibility of giving the tours and talking about what they’re doing at school and college, and delegates from the DfE clearly enjoyed our students’ candour and honesty! The whole day was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the DfE in to the organisation to see for themselves the amazing work of our pupils and students, and to remember the whole purpose we’re all here each day.