Richmond Park Academy’s Sixth Form turn the Students’ entrance into a Polling
Station for
General Election day
Richmond Park Academy (RPA) showed their commitment to the democratic process by turning the
school into a polling station from 8 am today. A total of 498 votes were cast including a small number of staff
with pupil turnout an
impressive 70%. Tracey O’Brien, RPA Senior Vice Principal and Head of Sixth Form was acting
Returning Officer and announced the results as follows:
The results represented a resounding victory for Labour in the constituency of Richmond Park
Academy. The “no vote” option on the ballot paper , favoured by 20% of voters, also highlighted the
responsibility that vote holders and politicians have to encourage future generations to vote.
Kallum, a Year 12 student who was willing to share his voting preference, voted Conservative
and said that he based his decision on watching the leadership debates, including Question Time, and
on his own
assessment of political history over the last 60 years.
Lesley Kirby, Headteacher, said, “I am so glad that the 6th form decided to hold our own RPA vote. We are very lucky to live in a country where voting is free and fair and I feel that people should apply
their democratic right (gained after many struggles) to express their views. As we have now seen the
RPA election turnout and outcome has not been reflected in the national results, but it is a fascinating
insight into our young people's opinions. Well done to our 6th form team and students for making
this happen.”
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