During his visit, Mr Carling toured the college, observing lessons in action and meeting staff and students across the site. He also met with the Headteacher to discuss both the challenges and opportunities facing secondary education at a local and national level.
A highlight of the visit was an assembly delivered to sixth-form students, during which Mr Carling spoke about his role in Parliament, the importance of civic participation, and the value of young people engaging with politics and public life. He shared that just four years before being elected, he himself was a sixth-form student, encouraging students to see politics as something they can actively participate in. Students were invited to ask questions and think critically about the issues shaping their futures.

Mr Carling also took part in question-and-answer sessions with Year 10 and 11 citizenship students, as well as Year 12 and 13 politics students. Discussions covered how laws are made, the realities of representing a constituency, and wider themes such as democracy, public services and current affairs. Staff praised students for their thoughtful and probing questions, and Mr Carling for his open and engaging responses.

Elected at the 2024 General Election, Mr Carling has consistently spoken about the importance of education, opportunity and ensuring young people’s voices are heard in national decision-making. His visit to Arthur Mellows Village College formed part of his ongoing engagement with schools and colleges across the constituency.
The college greatly valued the opportunity to host the visit, which provided students with real-world insight into politics and citizenship, helped to bring classroom learning to life, and inspired many to take an active interest in democracy.