On Thursday 21st January, the Department for Education held their Character Symposium at Floreat Wandsworth. The event was an overwhelming success, with the pinnacle being Secretary of State for Education Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP cutting the ribbon to officially open Floreat Wandsworth. 

The Secretary of State visited classrooms to meet children and teachers, and then perform the opening at lunchtime. The official opening occurred whilst the school hosted the Department for Education’s Character Symposium, a day that celebrated the importance of teaching character education. Floreat CEO, Janet Hilary, opened the event, alongside Floreat founder Lord O’Shaughnessy. The Secretary of State delivered her own speech, which was warmly received, with Minister of State for Children and Families Edward Timpson MP closing the day.

Commenting on the news, Floreat CEO Janet Hilary said:

“This was a special moment for Floreat Wandsworth. We were delighted to welcome Nicky Morgan and to introduce her to our wonderful children. She was full of warmth and good humour and invited the children to count down before she cut the ribbon. They enjoyed singing to her and made her feel very much at home with us. It was a joyful occasion with the staff, parents, governors and friends of Floreat gathered together to celebrate the opening of a world class school.”

Lord O’Shaughnessy interviews Sec of State Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP

The council’s education spokesman Cllr Kathy Tracey said: “Since it opened in September, Floreat has shown a commitment to providing Earlsfield with a high-achieving school based on sound ethical foundations. We are delighted that Floreat is helping us to ensure there are school places for all the children that need them, that parents are getting the choice they deserve, and that all children are getting the strong education they need to achieve their full potential.”