Ashok was delighted to welcome the Government's Schools Minister, Vernon Coaker MP to Brotton to visit Freeborough College last Friday, the 11th September. 

The college, a new build school that was the result of a merger between three older secondary schools in East Cleveland, is an example of massive Government investment in the future generations of this country. It has seen record exam results with a 55% A* to C's GCSE’s - a 14% increase on last year.

Ashok said “I have been involved with Freebrough College since its original inception and have been delighted at the progress the school has made. As a scientist, I was particularly happy that the school has become a specialist engineering college, and that this has been backed by many local and regional manufacturing companies. This school, in partnership with Teesside University and other sponsors,  is a testament to the great investment of the Labour government as we aim to encourage young people to make a seamless passage into further education."

Allison Redshaw, the Acting Principal of Freebrough College said “We are extremely proud of our Freebrough students, who through their own hard work, the drive of our staff and the support of both parents and the wider community, have achieved out best ever exam results.   I am delighted the Minister chose to visit us and recognised the tremendous progress we have made.  We continuously strive to improve and to find new and innovative ways in which to provide opportunities for our students to realise their full potential”.

Ashok went on to add "Vernon Coaker has again proven how committed he is to the people of Middlesbrough, after taking an active role in tackling knife crime in the area during his time as a Home Office Minister. As soon as he moved to this current position, he immediately took up my invitation to see the great achievements we have made in education in the region."

The Minister was hugely impressed by the quality of the facilities and wonderful atmosphere created by the committed staff and students. "This visit exemplifies the faith and interest that this current Government has in this region, and I will strive to ensure further such visits occur so that the great advancements being made in Middlesbrough and East Cleveland can be showcased nationally."