Education Secretary Nicky Morgan visited Westgate School and the University of Winchester on Thursday 21st January.
She came at the request of Winchester MP Steve Brine, who wanted to show her the new Lower School, which opened in the Autumn, and means Westgate is the first 'all-through' 4-16 school in Hampshire.
As well as meeting children and staff in their classes, Mrs Morgan also held a special Teacher Direct session with local headteachers, including Dr Rob Sykes from Thornden School, Sarah Duck from St Bede's, and Jonathan Prest from Barton Peveril college.
After visiting Westgate, the pair went to the University of Winchester, where they met education students, and were briefed on the University's new Barton Farm Academy primary school.
Speaking afterwards, Nicky Morgan said: "It was an absolute pleasure to visit Winchester and I would like to thank Steve for inviting me. It was fantastic to see the new lower school at Westgate which has been built to an incredibly high standard, and I enjoyed hearing about how the all-through school is benefiting both pupils and staff. 　　I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.
"There is no question the University of Winchester is a wonderful institution training future teachers so they can inspire the next generation. I always enjoy hearing from students about why they chose teaching and it was an added bonus to learn more about the new Barton Farm Academy which I have heard so much about from Steve Brine. I wish that project every success."
Steve Brine added: "I asked the Secretary of State to visit us during an education debate in the Commons last year so was pleased to welcome her to Westgate, one of the best schools in the county, as well our university that is consistently ranked as outstanding. I know Nicky was impressed with what she saw, especially our plans for the exciting new Academy school at Barton Farm."
Westgate Headteacher Paul Nicholson said: "We were delighted to welcome Nicky Morgan and our local MP Steve Brine to The Westgate on Thursday 21st January. It was a pleasure showcasing our first class teaching alongside the superb facilities that we enjoy at The Westgate. We were also pleased to host colleagues from a range of local schools who all took part in a lively and stimulating Q&A session with the Secretary of State."
Pictured; Steve Brine and Nicky Morgan with Paul Nicholson, Westgate headteacher, alongside staff and the Head Boy and Head Girl, and Steve Brine and Nicky Morgan with Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor of University of Winchester
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