News

The Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, The Right Honourable Angela Rayner, paid a special visit to Rayner High School last week, engaging with students and offering valuable insights into both her political journey and her current role at the heart of the UK government.

The Ashton MP, who has represented the area since 2015, was warmly welcomed by the school community. She took part in a Question Time-style session led by the Student Leadership Team, where she answered a wide range of thoughtful questions. These covered her personal background, her motivations for entering politics, and some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.

Drawing on her own experiences, the Deputy Prime Minister offered honest and heartfelt advice. She spoke about the importance of resilience; a core value shared by the school and Stamford Park Trust, highlighting how determination and the ability to bounce back have shaped her journey. She encouraged students to take life at their own pace and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

During the session, Rayner gave students a glimpse into her weekly routine as Deputy Prime Minister, explaining the demands of parliamentary duties, cabinet meetings, and constituency responsibilities. She also addressed major national topics, including housing, education, and the impact of global markets on the cost of living.

Reflecting on the future of the UK economy and employment, she told students:

“We build those industries of the future - whether it’s life sciences, AI, or defence... I want you to have those jobs here, to have those opportunities. That means good jobs, secure jobs -that’s what I want to see, and that’s what I want to achieve in the next few years.”

Rayner also opened up about the personal challenges she has faced in public life, such as being judged for the way she speaks or the background she comes from. Her key message to students was one of self-belief and authenticity:

“Be yourself - it’s exhausting trying to be someone you’re not.”

“That’s my other life lesson: when someone says you can’t do something - prove them wrong.”

Students were fully engaged throughout the session, asking challenging and thoughtful questions on a wide range of topics. These included the future of education, how  Rayner stays in touch with the needs of her constituents, and what advice she would give to young people who aspire to careers in politics or government.

One student commented “Today was an amazing day meeting Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. We got to ask her questions, she was really honest about everything, and it was just a really nice experience”

Her visit left a lasting impression on both staff and students, offering a rare opportunity to hear first-hand from one of the UK’s most senior political leaders and highlighting the importance of civic engagement, resilience, and ambition.

Headteacher, Martin Davies  commented “It was a real privilege to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to our school. Her honesty, resilience, and passion for our local area left a powerful impression on our students. Opportunities like this, where young people can engage directly with national leaders, are incredibly valuable, and we’re proud to have hosted such an inspiring visit.”

Angela commented “School visits are my favourite bit of the job. It was wonderful to chat to the pupils at Rayner Stephens and answer their very insightful questions.”

The visit ended with a round of applause and plenty of pictures, marking a memorable day in the school's calendar.