Robert Largan MP recently met with Gaynor Jones, Principal of Hope Valley College; Chris James, CEO of Chorus Education Trust; and Kevin James, Chair of Trustees, Chorus Education Trust.

During the visit, they discussed the Chorus Trust’s plans for the College and the potential benefits to the local community within High Peak.

Hope Valley College has faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 crisis, but their staff and students have adapted to this new situation, with the College fully opening in September.

In August, Robert made direct representations to ministers at the Department for Education on behalf of Hope Valley College, after their students were disproportionately affected with low ‘A’ Level results. The Government subsequently awarded teacher-assessed grades.

Hope Valley College joined the Chorus Trust nearly a year ago and have been making changes to ensure an outstanding education for young people locally.

Mrs Gaynor Jones has a strong track record within the Trust, developing a Teaching School that recently led a successful bid to set up the South Yorkshire Teaching Hub, and which will be responsible for all teacher training recruitment and CPD across the region.

The Trust’s other two schools, Silverdale and Westfield, are based in Sheffield, have worked with schools in the Peak District for many years, helping them recruit and train teachers.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“I visited Hope Valley College to meet with the principal and trustees, to hear about how they’ve been getting on since reopening and to thank them for their hard work.

“It was encouraging to see their enthusiasm and ambitious plans for the future.”