Etone College was delighted to welcome Jodie Gosling, Member of Parliament for Nuneaton, for an engaging and informative assembly with our Year 9 pupils. The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their understanding of British democracy, the legal and parliamentary systems, and the important role elected representatives play in supporting their communities.

During the assembly, Jodie shared her personal journey into politics, explaining how her career had included working as a primary school teacher, nursery owner, forest school leader and local councillor before being elected to Parliament in 2024. Her experiences highlighted the importance of transferable employability skills, demonstrating how communication, leadership, resilience and adaptability can open doors to exciting and unexpected career opportunities.

Pupils explored how the UK's electoral system operates, including the First Past the Post system used across the country's 650 parliamentary constituencies. Using the 2024 General Election results for Nuneaton, Jodie explained how she secured 15,216 votes to become the constituency's MP. She also outlined how governments are formed and how MPs debate, scrutinise and vote on legislation.

A particular focus was the varied responsibilities of an MP, both in Westminster and within their constituency. Jodie shared examples of her recent work, including discussions about mental health provision, securing funding for local veterans and supporting community initiatives. Pupils also learned about her membership of the Education Select Committee, which examines education policy, questions government ministers and makes recommendations to improve opportunities for young people.

The assembly also introduced the Nuneaton Youth Parliament, an exciting opportunity for young people to represent their peers and contribute to local decision-making. With schools able to elect up to four delegates, this initiative encourages pupils to develop confidence, communication and leadership skills while making their voices heard.

The visit strongly supported our Etone Values, particularly Caring, through its emphasis on community service, and Integrity, through the importance of honesty, responsibility and public accountability. It also reinforced our commitment to developing essential employability skills, including critical thinking, active listening, problem-solving and effective communication.

The assembly concluded with an opportunity for pupils to ask questions, encouraging curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jodie Gosling MP for taking the time to visit Etone College and inspire our pupils to consider how they can contribute positively to their communities and become active, informed citizens of the future.