University Schools Trust was delighted to welcome Matthew Pennycook MP to Royal Greenwich Trust School (RGTS) for a day focused on celebrating the school community and hearing directly from students about their hopes for the future of Woolwich and Greenwich.

Matthew was welcomed by RGTS Head Boy and Head Girl before meeting with the Executive Headteacher Cath Smith and Headteacher Asma Khan to discuss the school, its community, current successes and priorities, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing young people locally.

During a tour led by Deputy Headteacher Tom Williams, Matthew visited lessons and key areas of the school, meeting students and staff and seeing the school in action.

A key part of the visit was a student led roundtable discussion with members of the Key Stage 4 (KS4) Prefect Team, surrounding the topic of ‘What Should Our Community Look Like in 10 Years?’. Students shared their views on the future of Woolwich, the impact of local regeneration and the opportunities it could create for young people and families already living in the area.

The discussion also explored careers, apprenticeships and employment, the issues that matter most to young people locally, and how young people can have a meaningful voice in local and national democracy. Students also heard about Matthew’s role as MP for Greenwich and Woolwich and his journey into public service.

Following the visit, our KS4 prefects plan to continue meeting each month to develop projects that could make a positive difference for young people in their local community.

The visit concluded with thanks from our prefects and an official photograph with Matthew, students and school leaders.

Opportunities like these are a key reflection of our mission to provide transformational education for all. It has given our young learners the opportunity to have a voice, engage with their community and develop the knowledge and confidence needed to help shape a positive future.