Adonis quizzed by debate guests and student

The man who advised Tony Blair on education and who founded the academy movement within English schools fronted the latest Wolverhampton Debates on 7 December.

Lord Andrew Adonis gave a lecture entitled Education, Education, Education at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park to an audience of more than 100 people including headteachers and councillors from across the Black Country.

Prior to the event Lord Adonis toured the South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy’s new £25m building, which opened in September.

During the visit University of Wolverhampton student, Lucy Olafsson interviewed Lord Adonis.

Lucy (37), from Clent, is studying for an MA in Contemporary Media and wants to work in broadcast journalism.

She said: “I felt very honoured, and lucky, to be interviewing Lord Adonis. He has achieved great things with the academy programme. No matter what political stance you might have, you have to respect his determination to turn the programme from a concept to a reality.

“South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy was incredible. Many people on the day commented that they would have loved to have gone to a school like that when they were younger.

“He was a pleasure to interview. He was polite and knew his subject extremely well. His answers were incredibly articulate and engaging. It was a wonderful experience for a contemporary media student and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

It was the second event in the series of Wolverhampton debates, organised jointly by the University, Wolverhampton City Council and Pat McFadden MP for Wolverhampton South East.

Sir Geoff Hampton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We were delighted to host another high profile guest such as Lord Adonis to Wolverhampton, particularly to talk on the subject of education.

“Wolverhampton Debates is all about showing people what we as a city and region have to offer and how all the different partners are working together to identify the key issues affecting the Black Country and how we can aid economic regeneration.”

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Picture 1: Lucy Olafsson interviews Lord Adonis

Picture 2: Left to right: Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor; Pat McFadden MP; Lord Andrew Adonis; Sir Geoff Hampton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor