PM faces questions as he goes back to lessons

Pupils from St Francis Xavier School (SFX) in Richmond had some tough questions for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak when he dropped in for a visit.

Mr Sunak, who is also the town’s MP, took part in a year 11 maths class learning about Pythagoras’ theorem, donned an apron for a food technology class making tuna pasta bake and joined an art group preparing tiles for screen printing.

The visit ended in the library, where members of the school council subjected him to an intense cross-examination on a wide range of subjects.

One pupil asked what it was like to speak in the House of Commons. Mr Sunak said that while the combative sessions during Prime Minister’s Question Time often featured on television, many of their discussions were less dramatic.

They also asked him about his plans to require maths teaching for all pupils up to the age of 18.

Mr Sunak admitted that his own two daughters, aged 10 and 11, were “appalled” when they heard about the idea. However, he said that maths up to 18 was mandatory in most advanced countries and that data and statistics were becoming vital to more and more careers.

Head boy Andrew, who introduced the PM to council members, said: “His answers were really informative and it was a great experience.”

Head girl Amelie, who chaired the Q&A session, added: “It's not daunting to speak to him because of how soft-natured and kind he is. He has young daughters and knows how to speak to younger people.”

Mr Sunak said he had found the visit inspirational.

He said: “This is a very good school. I was most impressed with the positive attitude and sense of purpose of all the pupils I met and their enthusiasm for the subjects they were studying.

“The student leaders had a varied range of questions for me which demonstrated their keen engagement in current affairs.”

SFX headteacher Jackie Prime said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our pupils. Those who took part in the Q&A felt privileged to have this chance to put their questions to the Prime Minister.”

SFX, part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, is a joint Roman Catholic and Church of England school and was rated Outstanding in its most recent inspection report.