HULL'S new schools have been praised by the Shadow Education Secretary during a visit to the city yesterday.
Stephen Twigg was invited by East Hull MP Karl Turner to attend new school Archbishop Sentamu and the refurbished Malet Lambert, both in east Hull.
The new-look schools are part of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) – the biggest school rebuilding programme the city has ever seen.
Mr Twigg said: "These are two fantastic schools. It has been a massive boost for Hull to get involved in the BSF programme.
"I have visited other schools across the country where teachers are heartbroken because BSF was cancelled.
"In my own constituency, half the new schools were built and half cancelled.
"You can see the difference the programme has made."
Earlier this month, Mr Twigg raised concerns about a growing north/south divide in education.
He said: "The big worry now is that in cities such as Hull, the cuts being made in education are bigger than in the south, which is wrong.
"Education Secretary Michael Gove's approach is backward looking.
"We need to have high academic standards. We also need more high-quality engineering, technology and practical skills.
"Young people need to be ready for work, particularly in Hull, which is looking at the green energy sector."
Pupils at Malet Lambert spoke to Mr Twigg about their newly- refurbished school, which was completed this year.
Fiona Taylor, 15, said: "Mr Twigg asked me about the school and whether or not we have benefited from the new building.
"Everything is much better in terms of pupils' attitudes.
"There is a lot more optimism, which I think will reflect in our grades.
"I think there does need to be more emphasis on different subjects, not just academic ones.
"Having different skills can improve confidence and not all pupils excel in academic subjects.
Lee Pearson, 15, also spoke to the Shadow Education Secretary.
He said: "I really enjoyed meeting him and talking about the school.
"The refurbished building has made a real difference for us."
Mr Twigg also visited the University of Hull before taking part in a question-and-answer session with teachers at the Octagon Centre, chaired by Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson.
