MP full of praise for Westergate School

Mr Gibb was given a fact-finding tour of the school by its head, Steve Nelmes, and chairman of governors, Ian Myers, to add to his knowledge of learning in action.

He was impressed during his hour there by how the school was putting its attention to the education in academic subjects favoured by the government.

“One important thing about the school was the increasing uptake in modern foreign languages.

“They’re absolutely critical for our future.

“Many jobs require those languages and, if you don’t take one to GCSE level, you will be losing out on a lot of opportunities,” he said.

Mr Gibb toured seven classes among its 700-plus students to see two triple science lessons of physics, chemistry and biology as well as those in English, music, geography, dancing and French.

“This is certainly an improving school, which is very encouraging for the future,” said Mr Gibb, the MP for neighbouring Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

“I’m optimistic for the future of the school.”

Mr Nelmes said: “Mr Gibb mentioned the fact we were an improving school several times as he walked round.

“At least a fifth of our students leave with good grades in modern foreign languages and in the combined sciences.

“We have 48 per cent of our students reaching the top grades in English and maths and expect that to go well past 50 per cent.

“The level of students getting good grades in all subjects is 75 per cent and that’s a long way from where we used to be.”