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Gordon Brown Opens The New Allerton High School

Gordon Brown opens the new Allerton High School

Friday 28th November 2008

This was a red-letter day for staff, students and friends of Allerton High School and many will undoubtedly remember it for the rest of their lives. We have seen a total transformation of the three secondary schools in Leeds NE under the initiative of the government, 'Building Schools of the Future' programme. No-one looking at our four new magnificent school buildings can be unaware of the absolute importance being given to education by the government and here in Leeds NE our children are benefiting. Allerton High is the last of the schools to be completely rebuilt under this policy.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP opens the new Allerton High School

I had been pressing Gordon Brown to come to Leeds and visit the new school. I am so pleased that events came together unexpectedly. The cabinet meeting planned to be held in Leeds had been kept a closely guarded secret for security reasons. When it was announced publicly events moved fast. The original idea for a simple visit to the school became an opportunity for an official opening undertaken by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown accompanied by the Children's Services Minister, Ed Balls MP. It was a total surprise for the school. They had been told that Ed Balls was to visit but had just two days notice to prepare for the arrival of the Prime Minister.

The rebuilding of Allerton High School has been a flagship project and the architecture incorporates a brilliant conception for a school in the 21st century. The smooth management of the transfer from the old buildings to the new ones is a credit to the dedicated work of Elaine Silson, Head Teacher and her excellent staff. During the opening ceremony with the Prime Minister she praised the government commitment to rebuilding schools and particularly the initiative that had provided such a fabulous facility for education in Alwoodley.

The Prime Minister cuts the ribbon at the front door accompanied by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Elaine Silson Head Teacher and Fabian Hamilton MP for Leeds NE

The visit of the present Prime Minister, Gordon Brown to open Allerton High School follows that of the previous Prime Minister, Tony Blair who also visited the Leeds NE constituency to open the newly rebuilt Carr Manor High School in March 2007. Two such visits to the same constituency by the Prime Minister of the day within two years are probably without precedent. I am so pleased that the context was the opening of two secondary schools transformed through rebuilding and which will make such a difference to the educational chances to our children who attend.

Smiles all round. Eileen Moxon, Chair of Governors at Allerton High School together with Elaine Silson Head Teacher and Fabian Hamilton MP.

One very proud young man. Louis Klineberg (3rd from right) celebrated his 12th birthday on the 28th of November 2008 and personally was asked to welcome the Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the school. He is seen here with the Head Teacher, other staff and students and Fabian Hamiton MP.

Gordon Brown and Ed Balls meet Allerton High students in the school library.

The renewal of all four of the secondary schools in the constituency adds up to perhaps the most important local investment our government could possibly make, offering excellent education to future citizens growing up in Leeds NE.

To find out more about Allerton High School go to www.allertonhigh.leeds.sch.uk