MP drops in to join lessons and discuss bus fares at North Devon school

School bus fares were among the subjects on the curriculum when North Devon’s MP paid a visit to the Ilfracombe Academy recently.

Ian Roome went to the school, which is part of the Athena Learning Trust, to meet with headteacher Steve Rogers and discuss a range of issues as well as take a tour of the school and drop in on some lessons.

Subjects under discussion included how the school runs on a practical level as well as specific initiatives, such as the school’s corrective reading programme which helps ensure all students have the skills they need.

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They also spoke about the recent bus fare increases locally and the impact they are having on students and their families, with many facing an annual increase of several hundred pounds.

Mr Roome and Mr Rogers will be continuing to work closely together to push for solutions that make travel fairer and more affordable for young people.

Mr Rogers said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ian Roome to The Ilfracombe Academy. Our students were proud to show him their learning in action and it was valuable to discuss initiatives like our corrective reading programme and the impact of local issues such as bus fare increases.

“We look forward to working closely with him to support our students and ensure travel is fair and accessible for all families.”

Mr Roome added: “It was great to visit the academy and meet with the headteacher Steve Rogers, who is now on board with my bus campaign.

“We’ve since met again and had another meeting with the director of Stagecoach South West; we’re making headway and I’m genuinely optimistic that our sustained pressure will deliver results.

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“I was also shown around the school in the morning to see it all in action. So huge thanks to all the staff for opening your doors and showing me the morning routine.

“It was brilliant to see so many different classes and hear about the support in place, such as corrective reading, to help every student up to a similar level and make progress.”