STUDENTS and staff at Barry Comprehensive were delighted to welcome Huw Lewis AM, minister for education and skills to the school last month.

The minister was joined by Alun Cairns MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for Wales, Jane Hutt AM, minister for finance and government business, councillor Christopher Elmore, cabinet member for children's services and chair of the local authority governors advisory panel to discuss the Schools Challenge Cymru programme with headteacher Gerard McNamara, deputy headteacher Andrew Thomson and chair of the school governors Kath Beaudette,

The ministers were greeted with rousing performances from the school’s percussion band and African drummers before taking time to chat to students and staff.

The meeting, which lasted an hour, covered how the Welsh Government could support the learning of students.

Mr Lewis stressed that external pressures on students could hinder their progress in school and that parents/carers must work with the school to reach the best outcomes for students.

Headteacher Gerard McNamara said: “Governors, staff and students are delighted with the support from Huw Lewis. Barry Comprehensive School has made good progress and will continue to strive to become an excellent community school”.