Tessa Munt’s Inspiring Visit to Crispin School

Last week, Crispin School had the pleasure of welcoming local MP Tessa Munt for an engaging and insightful visit. Her time with us offered students and staff a valuable glimpse into the realities of political life, public service, and the importance of community engagement.

Tessa began her visit by meeting with Headteacher Lee Cornwall, Wessex Learning Trust Chief Executive Gavin Ball, and Trust Director of SEND Ian Squire. Their discussion centred on the fantastic work happening across the school, as well as how we are navigating some of the challenges that learners and staff have come against. Following this, Tessa took a tour of the school, including a stop at The Willows SEND Provision, where she learned more about the support offered to our learners.

One of the highlights of the visit was Tessa’s conversation with a group of eight students who had prepared thoughtful and well-researched questions, supported by the school’s careers adviser. Tessa shared candid insights into her role in politics, including the proposed move to lower the voting age to 16 a change that would give many of our learners a voice in the next general election.

She also explained what a typical week looks like for an MP: spending the early part of the week in London for parliamentary debates and legislative work, before returning to Somerset for council meetings, school and business visits, hospital meetings, and community events. Tessa also runs 13 monthly surgeries across the constituency, giving residents a vital opportunity to raise issues that matter to them.

During the discussion, Tessa spoke about the work she does in Parliament to help shape laws. She highlighted the proposed Public Office Accountability law, designed to ensure that public officials must always tell the truth during inquests, a response to past injustices such as the Hillsborough disaster, where truth and accountability were delayed for decades.

When asked what first motivated her to go into politics, Tessa explained that her driving force was simple: she wanted to help people. Her political journey began in the Labour Party before she realised it wasn’t the right fit, ultimately joining the Liberal Democrats. She also spoke warmly about the influence of Shirley Williams, whose encouragement, including a handwritten note urging her to “go for it”, helped shape her path.

Tessa further shared reflections on her own education. She explained that she didn’t go to university, not because she lacked ability, but because her mother didn’t see the value in it. After passing the 11-plus, attending grammar school, completing her GCSEs, and taking four A levels (passing two), she emphasised an important message to students: no specific qualifications are required to become an MP.

Environmental issues also featured in the conversation. Tessa spoke about her legislative work, including the “Sunshine Bill,” which promotes solar energy to help reduce emissions and lower household bills. She expressed her passion for protecting soil health, preserving peatlands, and driving forward sustainable change.

When asked about her favourite part of being an MP, Tessa didn’t hesitate: it’s talking to and listening to people.

We are extremely grateful to Tessa for giving her time, energy, and expertise to our school community. Her visit left students inspired, informed, and more aware than ever of the role they can play in shaping the world around them.