Esther McVey has pledged her long-term support to the ambitious project to make Rudheath Senior Academy better than ever before.
The Tatton MP visited the school, which is being rebuilt after a devastating arson attack in February last year, to see the progress that has been made.
She was impressed with the resilience of staff and pupils and, following a tour of the rebuild site, vowed to back the school's bid to win further Government funding for a complete overhaul of all facilities.
Ms McVey, the former Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "The fire brought devastation but also an opportunity to rebuild, rejuvenate and replenish with a new culture and ethos. I'm here as a local MP to lend support, not just for today or next week but actually for five-or-ten years-time. The people here have a fantastic community and vision and it's about incorporating all of these qualities into the fabric of the school. We want children coming here because it is vibrant and filling its potential."
Ms McVey added: "The pupils are dynamic and have a clear vision of what they want to do.
"I was very impressed with the extra school trips they go on, such as the trip to China and visiting the Houses of Parliament, and the thought and consideration they are putting into their futures."
Formerly University of Chester Academy Northwich (UCAN), the school suffered extensive damage when a blaze ripped through it February 2018.
It happened only a month after the school received a ‘good’ Ofsted report, and has proved a massive test of character for staff and pupils.
Headteacher Ana Roslan said: “Resilience has become a key word for Rudheath Senior Academy in recent times. Since the fire I really feel even more strongly that I am part of this community – a community which truly cares about the school and the kids. The children feel a sense of ownership, and I’m very proud of that.”
The school became part of North West Academies Trust (NWAT) in November and already many positive changes have taken place.
One of the highest performing Trusts in the country, NWAT has a proven track record of improving schools.
Oak View Academy in Winsford was the second worst primary in the country in 2014 but is now rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, and other west Cheshire schools within the trust include ‘outstanding’ St Martin’s Academy, Chester, and Delamere Academy – the highest performing primary in the borough.
