She was joined by Emily Darlington MP, representatives from the Department for Education, Barker Associates, Ashden and Let's Go Zero, as well as colleagues from Creative Education Trust.

A key focus of the visit was the opportunity to hear directly from students involved in the academy's sustainability group. During a climate action workshop, students discussed environmental issues that matter to them, shared their ideas for creating a more sustainable future and reflected on how schools can support positive change.

The Secretary of State also toured the academy's rooftop solar installation, which was delivered through a previous Department for Education-funded programme. The project has helped reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency at the academy while supporting Creative Education Trust's wider sustainability strategy.

Gordon Farquhar, Principal of The Milton Keynes Academy, said:

"It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to The Milton Keynes Academy and to give our students the opportunity to share their views on sustainability and climate action. 

Our students spoke with confidence, passion and optimism about the future, demonstrating the important role young people have in shaping environmental change. We are proud of the opportunities they have to engage with real-world issues while seeing sustainability in action across our academy."

Gordon Farquhar, Principal

"The solar installation at The Milton Keynes Academy has been transformational for our sustainability programme. It has helped reduce carbon emissions, improve our environmental performance and accelerate progress against our long-term sustainability strategy. 

We are proud to be investing in solutions that benefit both our schools and the communities they serve."

Jon Ward, Director of Estates and Facilities at Creative Education Trust

The academy is one of a number of schools that have already benefited from government investment in solar technology, helping reduce energy costs while supporting national ambitions to increase the use of renewable energy across the education sector.

The visit highlighted how sustainable investment can create both environmental and educational benefits, providing students with a powerful example of climate action in practice.

The Milton Keynes Academy would like to thank Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson MP, Emily Darlington MP, Department for Education colleagues, Barker Associates, Ashden, Let's Go Zero and Creative Education Trust staff for taking part in a valuable and inspiring visit.