West Kirby Grammar School pupils quiz Health Minister Alan Johnson

Feb 25 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Heswall News

WIRRAL pupils grilled Health Minister Alan Johnson last week about the NHS.

It was like Question Time on the floor of the Commons as West Kirby Grammar School students quizzed the Secretary of State for Health about the recent change of heart by the Government to allow NHS patients access to privately funded drugs, as well as the role of pressure groups and the media.

They met the MP as part of a politics trip to London.

The student’s teacher Liz Wilson, who accompanied them, said: “Mr Johnson was impressed by the questions our students asked and said it was like being at question time in the Commons.

“They really put him on the spot!”

While in London the students also met Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service Gus O’Donnell in his private office and ex-West Kirby Grammar pupil Rachael Williamson who works in the cabinet office as Mr O’Donnell’s private secretary.

Headteacher of West Kirby Grammar School, Glenice Robinson, which was recently judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors, said: “The staff work exceptionally hard to get the best out of each individual student and give them every available opportunity.

“Thanks to this the sixth form students who were fortunate enough to visit the Houses of Parliament last week had an incredible experience.”