Local MP helps bring politics to life at Northbrook College

Students at Northbrook College were given great insight into politics at national and local level.

Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, visited the college’s Broadwater campus and was joined by Dawn Smith, West Sussex County Councillor for Broadwater, and Cathy Glynn-Davis, Worthing Borough Councillor for Broadwater ward.

They met students on the college’s Gateway Foundation programme, as well as those studying uniformed public services.

Tom, Dawn and Cathy answered several questions from students, across a range of hot topics – including potholes, public transport, the cost of living crisis as well as opportunities for young people, especially those with additional needs.


Charlotte Roberts, Gateway course tutor at Northbrook College, said: “We believe it’s vital for our students to understand the way Parliament works, the law and how their local MP can support their community.

“We aim to empower students to see the impact of political decisions and the importance of their voices in shaping change.

“This term, Gateway and uniformed services students have explored local issues, the rule of law, and British values, deepening their understanding of Parliament and MPs’ roles. Through research, debate, and real-world examples, they’ve gained insight into how politics shapes society and how they can engage in the democratic process.

“To bring this learning to life, Tom generously spoke with our students about his role in Parliament and it was great for Dawn and Cathy to talk about the local political process.

“The students enjoyed being able to ask questions about local issues, sparking insightful discussions. This invaluable experience gave students direct access to the political process, offering first-hand insights and real-time answers.”