Education Minister Jim Knight MP visited the West London Academy in Northolt yesterday to see the government’s drive for extended schools put into action.

The Academy is unique in that it provides education from age 3-19 in one institution and also provides a Sure Start nursery, adult education, and top rate facilities for the community.

The range of after-school resources available to pupils and parents alike impressed the minister. He saw the development of infant, junior and high school leadership training where pupils learn more about responsibility and problem solving. There were booster classes on offer for maths, English and science for all ages to help ensure that pupils attained better qualifications. Jim Knight also saw an after-school club that provides help for working parents, whilst other parents joined in an aerobics class with pupils.

The theme of keeping fit continued with a healthy number of pupils playing cricket in the fantastic gymnasium, whilst hundreds of other local children descended on the flood-lit astroturf football pitches available on site.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, Labour councillor for Northolt West End said,

“This is an improving school which has become a crown jewel in the heart of the community here in Northolt. The academic and physical improvements throughout the school are undeniable. For the first time in its history the school is oversubscribed and that is a huge testament to the work and dedication of the principle Hilary Macaulay and her staff.”

Local Labour MP Steve Pound said,

“The West London Academy sets an example of how a school in the 21st century can be so much more than a simple 9-3:30 place of formal education.”