Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove paid a visit to Stockton Riverside College this week.

Meeting with students developing the skills for future careers in construction, health and social care and performing arts, he promised to “do what he can” to help secure additional investment to “double down on the success” already being achieved at the college.

The Levelling Up Secretary said: “The aim of my visit was to get a better understanding of the student experience, to appreciate the difference Stockton Riverside College is making to their lives, and to understand what we can do as the Department of Levelling Up to help the work that is going on here.

“What I have seen are students at every level that are engaged, enthusiastic and appreciate the opportunities being provided to them and are a credit to the college and the community.”

Accompanied during his visit by Matt Vickers MP, Mr Gove added: “There’s great facilities and obviously potential additional investment that would be very welcome.  I will do what I can to secure the investment to double down on the success that I have seen.”

Stockton Riverside College’s principal, Lesley Graham, said: “It was great to be able to welcome the Secretary of State for Levelling Up to the college today and show him the fantastic work that goes on here.

“We are proud to be able to showcase our students and offer them the chance to share their ambitions with someone at the forefront of government.”

Grant Glendinning, chief executive and group principal of the Education Training Collective, of which Stockton Riverside College is a part, said: “It is particularly important for a college in an area like ours, where there’s huge potential for change, to have the opportunity to speak directly to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up.

“As an education and training provider we have a critical role to play in equipping local people with the skills they need to access the wonderful opportunities that are coming. We are delighted that Mr Gove has taken such an interest in our students and their work and reassured he has committed to look in more detail at how the Department for Levelling Up can help increase investment for the next generation of learners.”