![Helen giving a talk at Lenham School](/sites/www.helenwhately.org.uk/files/styles/gallery_large/public/news-gallery/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-10%20at%2013.51.19%20%281%29.jpeg?itok=sjYxgboL)
Last week I dropped by the Lenham School to talk all things Parliament week with their year 7s and sixth formers.
I gave a talk on the history of parliament, and why I decided to pursue a life in politics - and I was so impressed by the questions from students. They showed such thoughtfulness and understanding, and it left me wondering whether some of them would go on to a life of public service themselves.
The Lenham School has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and the school is now well over-subscribed. That's why last year I helped them win funding through the School Rebuilding Programme to demolish an old block in a poor state of repair, and replace it with a modern, fit-for-use building, to provide more classroom space.
The funding is great news for students and teachers, and it’s great news for the village too. It'll mean better facilities and more school places for local kids – a big priority for residents.