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Mel has been one of the leading campaigners for more education funding for Devon for over a decade. Working alongside other MPs and campaigners he helped to secure significant increases in per pupil funding for schools in Devon for 2020-21 and 2021-22. With Devon long having between forgotten when it comes to education funding, the increases meant Devon was in the top third of beneficaries in the country from the adjusted per pupil funding calculations. He has also supported local schools who have made applications for funding, e.g. recently securing a meeting in Westminster with education minister Baroness Berridge, where he went into bat for Lapford Primary School which needs funding to replace a condemned classroom.

Mel has made more than 60 visits to local schools as an MP and hosts visits from local pupils to Westminster to inspire an interest in politics and our democracy at an early age. Teachers interested in organising a trip with their class should contact Mel's Westminster office on 0207 219 7037. Mel has also organised for sixth form students from the three colleges and sixth forms in his constituency (QE in Crediton, Okehampton College and South Dartmoor College in Ashburton) to visit Oxford University with the aim of encouraging bright state sixth form pupils to aim high and not be deterred from applying to the best universities.

A strong advocate of apprenticeships as an alternative to university, Mel was a ministerial aide in the Business Department under David Cameron and helped to deliver a massive rise in the number of young people embarking on apprenticeships. Locally he has worked with Moor Training in Okehampton and The Focus Training Group in Heathfield to promote apprenticeships.

Mel's passion for education stems from his upbringing. Due to economic hardship his parents left school at 15 and 14 but he was lucky - he gained a free place at a grammar school and went on to become the first in his family to go to university. This experience instilled in Mel the importance of a good education and how it can aid social mobility.

Mel is a former governor of Okehampton College.

News

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7,200 laptops and tablets for disadvantaged students across Devon

Monday, 1 March, 2021

Pupils across Devon have benefitted from more than 7,200 new laptops and tablets to date, as the government has hit an important milestone in its roll-out of devices to support disadvantaged young people.

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Extra £50 million to support students impacted by Covid-19 pandemic

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

Mel Stride MP has welcomed the announcement from Universities Minister Michelle Donelan that £50 million of Government funding will be provided to support students facing financial difficulties arising from the impact of Covid-19.

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5 year old young designer impresses in MP's art competition

Wednesday, 20 January, 2021

Mel Stride MP has thanked the 250 pupils from across his constituency who took part in the competition last month to design his 2020 Christmas Card.

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Bovey Primary School pupils become internet legends

Wednesday, 18 November, 2020

Mel Stride MP has spoken to pupils at Bovey Primary School about staying safe online. In a pre-recorded video that was played during assembly, Mel talked about how the internet can be an incredibly useful tool, helping to educate and connect people, but that it also carries risks.

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Exminster Primary School pupils become internet legends

Friday, 30 October, 2020

Mel Stride MP has spoken to pupils at Exminster Primary School about staying safe online. In a pre-recorded video that was played during assembly, Mel talked about how the internet can be an incredibly useful tool, helping to educate and connect people, but that it also carries risks.

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MP vows to continue fight for new classroom for Lapford Primary School

Wednesday, 28 October, 2020

Mel Stride MP has visited Lapford Primary School to discuss plans to pursue Government funding to replace a condemned classroom.

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Mel Stride MP and Okehampton training provider urge employers to apply for apprenticeship cash boost

Wednesday, 30 September, 2020

Mel Stride MP has joined forces with Moor Training in Okehampton to urge employers of all sizes to apply for generous cash incentives to help them take on new apprentices and get more people into work.

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Extra buses for busy Exeter College route confirms Mel Stride MP

Friday, 18 September, 2020

Mel Stride MP has taken quick action after several parents from Okehampton contacted him regarding difficulties their children had getting to Exeter College. These included bus capacity, concerns about overcrowding and confusion as to whether students could travel on ordinary bus services.

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Mel Stride to press for more government funding for children's services and schools

Monday, 7 September, 2020

Mel Stride MP has been briefed on the challenges faced by Children’s Services in Devon by Devon County Council Cabinet Member James McInnes.

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Back to School & Exam Results

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

Last week I met with the Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools James McInnes in Spreyton. We discussed the re-opening of schools in September, the complexities of providing school transport and how coming out of lockdown has seen more children going into care.

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Mel Stride MP for Central Devon

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