Chancellor welcomes Pudsey Sixth Form College students to Downing Street

Students from Pudsey Sixth Form College recently enjoyed a memorable visit to London that culminated in a meeting with the Chancellor, Leeds West and Pudsey MP Rachel Reeves.

The art, geography, history and politics students visited the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street during a trip designed to show them democracy in action.

The visit saw the learners split into different groups and head off to take in sights that included the Tate Modern, street art along the South Bank, the Horse Guards Museum, and the Supreme Court.

They then reassembled for a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, where they visited the public galleries overlooking the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and took part in a workshop on elections and democratic participation.

The highlight for many came when they were welcomed inside Number 11 Downing Street and enjoyed the opportunity to speak with the Chancellor herself.

Ms Reeves said: “I was delighted to welcome students from Pudsey Sixth Form College to Downing Street. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from young people in Leeds West and Pudsey and the cohort who visited had some fantastic questions.”

A Level Art student Max Houghton said: “This trip was an unforgettable experience.

“Visiting Parliament and speaking with people working in government helped me realise how important young voices are in politics. Because of this experience, I want to be more ambitious in the future, trust my choices more, and I’m now even interested in studying in London.”

Lecturer of Media and Film Studies at Pudsey Sixth Form College, Laura Evernard, said: “It was an entirely surreal experience for the students to step inside the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street – places they recognise as globally iconic symbols of British culture and politics.

“For many, it was their first time visiting London, and seeing where history is actively made left a lasting impression that brought their studies to life in a real and meaningful way.” 

“Throughout the day, students represented the college with maturity, curiosity and enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and making meaningful connections between their studies and the institutions that are shaping the country today.”