It was our pleasure to welcome former MP and government minister Edwina Currie to talk to our students on Friday 26th September. Edwina enjoyed a long and varied career in public life, serving as the Conservative Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire from 1983 to 1997. During her time in government, she was appointed a junior health minister, where she became well known for her outspoken views and willingness to tackle challenging issues. Beyond politics, she has remained a familiar face to the public through her many media appearances, including roles on popular reality television shows, which have showcased her lively personality and sharp sense of humour.
When she spoke to our year 12 and 13 students, Edwina captivated them with her wit, honesty and engaging style. She spoke about her career with great energy, balancing serious insights with entertaining anecdotes, and encouraged students to think critically about politics and public service. Drawing on her time in politics, she shared candid insights into the realities of political decision-making, the pressures of public scrutiny, and the importance of resilience in a demanding profession. Students were given a fascinating glimpse into how national policies are shaped and the ways in which politicians balance personal conviction with the needs of their constituents. Her openness made the session particularly memorable, as she invited questions on any topic and answered with humour and candour. Students came away not only better informed about political life but also inspired by her confidence, resilience and willingness to speak her mind.
