On Friday 26th February, sixth-form students, Laura Buchan, Dominika Maruszczak, Louise Chidley, Finley Brighton, Nimi Adeniyin, Isabelle Smith, and Tom Raines met with the MP for Maidstone and the Weald, Helen Grant. Mrs Bartlett was also in attendance, after organising the meeting. The meeting took place over Zoom for around 30-40 minutes.

The group began by introducing themselves and sharing what they would like to do in the future. Mrs Grant explained to the group the new role she has been appointed- Special Envoy for Girls Education. This role aims to work with the Prime-Minister to internationally ensure that all girls receive 12 years of education.

Discussion began about what barriers face girls in receiving education, particularly in low-income countries. Louise raised the issue of period-poverty and Laura highlighted the prioritisation of boys’ education for social and economic reasons.

Mrs Grant asked the group if they had any ideas about how to begin to tackle the global problem. Ideas were shared about how the issue is rooted in systemic sexism and patriarchy and it was concluded that the effort needed to be an international one.

More general conversation ensued about how students were finding lockdown and remote learning. Dominika and Laura then discussed how they agreed that the teacher-assessed grades to be the fairest way of assessing their A-levels, considering the circumstances. Laura then prompted a point about the how the circumstances have perhaps revealed a new way of education, one less dependent on final exams. Mrs Grant promised the group that she would pass this information onto the Prime-Minister and Education Secretary when she next sees them.

Formalities were exchanged and the meeting came to a close with a photograph.