Maltby Academy pupils' lesson in the Lords
MALTBY Academy pupils had the opportunity to speak directly to a member of the House of Lords as part of a scheme to improve young people’s knowledge of the political system.
Lord Wills - formerly Michael Wills MP, who served as a minister before becoming a Lord - took part in a remote question and answer session with 26 students at the academy.
He explained the work of the House of Lords, as well as his own background, rising from poverty to be educated at Cambridge University and going on to become an MP representing Swindon, before joining the Government.
Prior to that he had a varied career as a diplomat and television producer.
He also explained his support for a ban on social media for under 16s - an issue directly affecting school age children.
A notable highlight of his career was the creation of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, in 2009 - with the objective of giving the families of those lost in the 1989 disaster a better opportunity to get their voices heard.
He then went on to create Independent Public Advocate, providing support for victims, survivors and bereaved families in the aftermath of tragic events.
That was set up to support Hillsborough families, now continuing to support others.
The Learn with the Lords programme allows students to learn more about the role of the House of Lords in the Government.
Maltby Academy has been involved in work to provide students with a strong knowledge of how the political system operates, which has involved trips to London previously.