We were honoured to welcome Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, into school today. Ms Qureshi kindly took time out of her busy parliamentary schedule to visit our school, where she was warmly welcomed by both staff and students.

Her visit began with a guided tour of the school, led by two of our students, who did a fantastic job showcasing different areas of the building, introducing her to staff members, and highlighting some of the exciting work taking place in our classrooms. Ms Qureshi took a keen interest in the student-led tour, asking questions and taking the time to speak to pupils and teachers along the way.

Following the tour, Ms Qureshi attended a student-led Q&A session, where she engaged in open and honest discussion with a large group of students from across year groups. The session covered a wide range of topical and often challenging subjects. These included the ongoing war in Ukraine, the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, global migration and asylum policies, and the importance of international cooperation in tackling these issues.

Environmental concerns were also raised, with a particular focus on climate change. Students brought up the commonly discussed topic of melting ice caps, but also highlighted recent scientific findings showing that in some regions, particularly parts of Antarctica, ice cover has shown periods of growth. Ms Qureshi praised students for their awareness of such developments and encouraged them to continue exploring climate issues critically, reminding them that science is ever-evolving and benefits from open-minded, well-informed discussion.

Another topic discussed was human rights, both within the UK and globally. Ms Qureshi handled the subject with great sensitivity, encouraging students to think deeply about the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of such issues, and emphasising the importance of respectful debate and understanding of differing perspectives.

Throughout the session, our students impressed Ms Qureshi with their thoughtful questions, articulate views, and mature engagement. She commended them for their curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to understanding the world beyond the classroom.

We are incredibly grateful to Ms Qureshi for visiting our school and for taking the time to listen, share, and inspire. Her visit left a lasting impression on everyone involved, and we look forward to welcoming her back in the future.