Rishi accompanied by his wife, Akshata, were welcomed by Headteacher Rob Johnson, who took on the role last year.
During the visit, Rishi and Akshata engaged with pupils across different year groups and observed how teachers are fostering confidence in core subjects.
Rishi and Akshata joined students as they built their understanding in the foundations of numeracy. Teachers explained how these early experiences with numbers lay the foundation for future learning and later life.
Rishi spoke to children about how they use numeracy outside the classroom, with some discussing how they measure ingredients or plan routes when travelling. Teachers highlighted the importance of making numeracy relatable to everyday life.
During the visit, Rishi and Akshata also joined a small group practising their reading skills, sounding out letters and building confidence in literacy. Staff shared their approach to early reading and the impact of structured phonics lessons on long-term learning success.
The visit comes shortly after the announcement of The Richmond Project, the new UK-wide charity founded by Rishi and Akshata to support innovative approaches to improving numeracy skills and confidence for children and adults.
Rishi said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Hutton Rudby Primary and see the enthusiasm of both pupils and teachers. Watching children build confidence with numbers at such a young age reinforces how important it is to nurture these skills early”.
“We saw some fantastic teaching, and it is inspiring to see the commitment and creativity of the teachers in helping children gain the skills they need for the future.”
Rob Johnson, Headteacher said “The children really enjoyed hosting Mr Sunak and showing off how they learn. Our Year 6s particularly enjoyed competing in times tables challenges with Rishi. The children in Year 1 were very proud to demonstrate their speedy phonics skills and Reception loved counting with Rishi and Akshata.”
