Toynbee School in Chandler's Ford had a visit from local MP, Steve Brine, today.
The MP, who was accompanied by his daughter Emily, met with long-standing Headteacher Matthew Longden and met pupils and staff across the school.
Steve says; "Matthew is one of only two Heads who've been in post longer than I've been the MP and what a job he's doing at Toynbee. It is an absolutely first-rate school these days which any parent would be thrilled to send their children to.
"I visit so many schools in the course of my work and you can tell a well-run institution if you spend any time there from just meeting staff and pupils and getting a feel for the place. Toynbee is providing a superb all-round education for young people in this part of Hampshire and I always thoroughly enjoy my visits there."
While on-site, Steve met up with 17 year-old Sam Mballa who will shortly leave Thornden. The pair met back in 2012 at the Winchester and District Athletic Club as they held a Track2Track relay to celebrate the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Sam was 7 years-old then and Steve was significantly younger too!
See pictures - then and now - above.
Pictured; Steve Brine with Headteacher, Matthew Longden, and with Year 11 pupil Sam Mballa today - and in 2012 when they first met.
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