Rishi visited Northallerton School and Sixth Form College to open a student leadership conference and see the changes being driven by the school’s new leadership team.
Welcomed by Headteacher Kevin Broom and Chris Barnes, Chair of the School Committee, Rishi met members of the student council before addressing student leaders taking part in a school-led conference focused on leadership, responsibility and social action.
The conference brought students together to develop Social Action projects around four themes – Community, Achievement, Inclusion and Personal Development.
Working in groups, pupils were challenged to turn ideas into practical plans that respond to real issues within their school and wider community.
Following his address, Rishi participated in classes throughout the school.
In an Engineering lesson, he spoke to students about practical skills and joined in with a hands-on task cutting sheet metal. He also visited a Maths class, where pupils were reviewing recent assessments and focusing on areas for improvement as they prepare for GCSEs.
During discussions with the senior leadership team, Rishi heard about the pace of change at the school since Mr Broom’s appointment in April 2025, including higher expectations, strengthened behaviour policies and significant recruitment of teaching staff as part of a drive to raise standards.
Speaking after the visit, Kevin Broom said:
“The school is moving forward at an incredible pace, and it was a pleasure to welcome Rishi Sunak to open our Student Leadership Conference and students were grateful for his inspiring words”.
“It is an exciting time for our students, our staff, and our community, and I am proud to be the Headteacher.”
Rishi said the visit highlighted the importance of strong leadership and ambition in schools and the value of giving young people the confidence and skills to contribute positively to their communities.
“School is where ambition begins and where leadership is first discovered. What impressed me today was seeing students being encouraged to take responsibility, think big and turn ideas into action”.
“Northallerton School is clearly focused on giving young people the confidence, discipline and opportunities they need to succeed, not just in exams, but in life.”
