As part of the Peers in Schools programme- a government initiative, Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley recently visited Hillcrest Oaklands College.
The initiative has been running now for over a year and is designed to give young people the opportunity to meet with and talk to people from the House of Lords.
The young people at Oaklands listened to Baroness Morris, who explained the role of the House of Lords, then had the opportunity to ask questions about the parliamentary process and how it effects them.
The students were keen to learn about proposed changes in the education system, especially the increased school leaving age and how the parliamentary system can affect their lives beyond college.
They also asked questions about being in care and who makes decisions regarding taking children into care and about standards in care homes and in residential education.
Baroness Morris was presented with a bouquet of flowers and was very complimentary about the college and residential provision, as it is so different from the type of schools she normally visits as part of the scheme.
She thanked the staff for the exceptional work they do with the girls and the girls for making her feel so welcome and asking such relevant questions.
The visit will be followed up by the girls visiting parliament during the summer term.
Jo Morris- Principal, Hillcrest Oaklands College
Baroness Morris at Oaklands