Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, recently visited Davenant Foundation School in Loughton, where he was welcomed by headteacher Mr Adam Thorne for a tour of the school’s facilities and a Q&A session with Year 13 Politics students.
Founded in Whitechapel in 1680, Davenant boasts a rich history and now educates 1,280 students.
During the visit, Dr Hudson toured the Sixth Form, which currently operates from temporary accommodation while a new, dedicated building is under construction. The Sixth Form offers exclusively A-level courses and admits up to 200 students annually. The school’s in-house teacher training consortium was highlighted as a key factor in attracting and retaining high-quality teaching staff.
Dr Hudson then met with Year 13 politics students for a lively Q&A session. Topics ranged from the previous Conservative Government’s environmental record and the landmark Environment Act 2021 to the complexities of achieving Net Zero in a way that does not penalise vulnerable and hard-working families. Students also raised questions about how parliament works, animal welfare, gambling regulation, and the Assisted Dying Bill. Dr Hudson reaffirmed his commitment to supporting mental health, referencing his ongoing work with the Three Dads Walking and suicide prevention.
Following the visit, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“It was a huge pleasure to visit Davenant School to meet with students and staff and see their campus. I was hugely impressed by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and depth of understanding shown by the students at Davenant Foundation School.
“Their thoughtful questions on issues ranging from climate change to mental health demonstrate an outstanding social awareness.
“These young folk are a true credit to their families and their school.”
