Ilkley's MP Robbie Moore has attended Speech Day at Westville House School in Ilkley to celebrate pupils’ academic and extra-curricular achievements over the past academic year, as well as to mark the end of term.
Held in the school’s sports hall, the prize-giving event welcomed parents, teachers, governors and other special guests. A wide range of awards were presented, recognising academic achievements across all year groups, as well as successes in sport and music. Attendees also heard speeches from the Chair of Governors, Dan Rathbone, and the Headteacher, Mrs Frances Colman, both of whom reflected on a busy and successful academic year. The event also featured a number of musical performances from pupils.
Featuring as guest speaker was Amelie Lane, a former pupil of the school who is now a professional mountain runner. Having taken up the sport at a young age, Amelie has represented England on numerous occasions and competed on the international stage, winning medals, including gold, all over the world.
Amelie’s speech focused on the importance of hard work and determination, drawing on her own experiences of overcoming setbacks over the course of her career, and emphasising that it is possible to pick oneself up and keep striving for the top. Mr Moore described Amelie’s speech as “incredibly inspiring” and praised her for being a “fantastic role model” for the children.
The local MP also paid tribute to the school for continuing to provide high-quality education to its pupils, especially in the face of the Government’s decision to place 20% VAT on private school fees.
With the Treasury admitting that the funds raised by the VAT measure will not be directly ringfenced for state education, Mr Moore warned that the move risks placing additional pressure on state schools, potentially leading to larger class sizes and reduced resources for children with special educational needs. He pledged to continue opposing the Government’s policy.
Commenting on the visit, Robbie Moore MP said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to attend Speech Day at Westville House – and amazing to see such a range of talent from pupils across all year groups, from academic accomplishments to sporting and musical successes.
“It was a wonderful ceremony – and a real highlight was hearing from Amelie Lane, who spoke incredibly well and had some great messages for the pupils which I'm sure will stay with them for a long time.
“Westville House is a brilliant school, yet it will be unfairly hit by the Government’s short-sighted decision to place 20% VAT on private school fees – a move that will also put unnecessary pressure on the state sector. I will continue to oppose this damaging policy, which is simply not in the best interests of our children’s education.
“A huge well done to the whole team at Westville House for organising such a great event – and many congratulations to all the award winners.”
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