Schools in Hounslow and Ealing welcomed the education secretary Nicky Morgan to a question and answer session about the future of schooling.
Brentford School for Girls hosted the event which was also attended by headteachers, teachers and sixth formers from Kew House School in Brentford, St Benedict's School in Ealing and Feltham Community College in Feltham.
Headteacher of Brentford School for Girls Marais Leenders greeted the education minister to the school on Boston Manor Road on January 29 along with MP for Brentford and Isleworth Mary Macleod.
They gathered in the school hall where they heard from Mrs Morgan about how developments might impact on their schools, staff and pupils.
Following a presentation by Mrs Morgan, a discussion raised questions about league tables, the role of creative subjects in the curriculum and how the academy programme has impacted on the borough.
Teachers asked how might league tables better take into account a school’s circumstances, such as those desiring to enter students early for some examinations without risking a penalty.
Another raised questions about how pay structures might be adjusted to help with recruitment of staff, particularly, as teachers in Hounslow are being paid less than those in Ealing which has an impact on recruitment and retention.
There was also a discussion on how to retain the status of creative subjects in an education system that emphasises the importance of the three R's - reading, writing and arithmetic.
Alan Wood, assistant headteacher at Brentford School for Girls, said: “It was terrific for us at Brentford to be able to host one of the minister of education’s question and answer sessions.
"It was clear from the Mrs Morgan’s presentation that education remains an important local and national issue and it was useful for us teachers and students to be able to have our views heard.”
