Oathall students visit 10 Downing Street to mark National Apprenticeship Week
Oathall Community College was honoured to be one of only four schools nationwide invited to a prestigious reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday 9 February.
The event, held to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, provided 15 Year 11 students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the UK’s leading employers and policymakers. Throughout the evening, students interacted with apprentices from high-profile organisations including McLaren, Channel 4, British Airways, and the NHS, gaining first-hand insight into vocational career paths.
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer also attended the event, taking time out of his very busy schedule to speak to visitors. The students also met with Baroness Jacqui Smith, whose ministerial brief covers apprenticeships, to discuss their personal career ambitions and the importance of diverse pathways into the workforce.
The visit also offered a rare chance to see other highlights of 10 Downing Street. These included refreshments served in the State Dining Room and viewing unique artefacts, including the moon rock gifted to Harold Wilson by Richard Nixon following the Apollo 11 mission.
The evening concluded with a classic Downing Street moment: a photo opportunity outside the famous black door and a brief appearance by the resident Chief Mouser, Larry the Cat.
"This was a truly inspiring evening for our students," said Debbie Isley, Head of Vocational Learning at Oathall. "To represent the school at the heart of government and discuss future careers with industry leaders is an experience none of us will forget."
Oathall Community College is an 11-16 Secondary School in Haywards Heath.