Excelsior Academy Welcomes Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central and West

On Friday, the students and staff of Excelsior Academy in Newcastle had the honour of welcoming Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, to their Academy.

Chi's visit began in the Nursery, where she saw the children enjoying the new outdoor play structures. From there, she moved through the Primary Phase before being greeted in the Secondary Phase by two new Year 7 pupils. In the Secondary Phase, she engaged with students from 6th Form and Engage Provisions, discussing their future aspirations and sharing her own inspiring journey.

The 6th form students were thrilled to meet such an influential female role model. Head Girl Sumin Benny highlighted Excelsior’s inspirational cultural diversity, and asked:

“I am really keen to know how and why you became an MP. I’m hoping to study medicine at university next year, but I’m also interested in representing my community as an MP in the future.”

Chi shared her path from a career in engineering to becoming an MP, explaining:

“My mum was committed to making Newcastle and the world better for everyone. Growing up here, she instilled in me the belief that we should always take care of and support one another – I wanted to take that ethos to a national level through parliament.”

When asked about her most meaningful work as an MP, Chi responded:

“Helping people is the most amazing part of my job. A lot of issues brought to me are about housing, schools, and income. I’m proud to stand up in parliament and share how incredible Newcastle is, particularly its diversity and unity, which are the city’s greatest strengths.”

Chi then spent time with pupils from the Engage Provision. Alex, Vanesa, and staff member Jo McShane shared their past challenges and how much they’ve benefited from the enhanced support provided by Engage. They discussed future plans, with Alex noting:

“It was really nice that she took the time to visit us, especially when she has to go to London. I feel inspired by the possibility of shadowing her or doing an internship.”

Vanesa added:

“A year ago, I wouldn’t have felt confident enough to meet someone like that. It felt great representing my school.”

Before leaving, Chi expressed a strong desire to return to Excelsior Academy, calling the students "inspirational" and praising the school's "wonderful child-centred ethos." She looks forward to continuing her role as a mentor and has invited the students to visit Parliament in London.