Today I had a most interesting time at the Portland Academy, that has now been renamed Atlantic College. I had organised a catch-up with Regional Schools Commissioner Rebecca Clark. She was called in by the Government after the Academy faced one issue after another and she has done a wonderful job. The first part of the visit was an update by Acting Principal Gary Spracklen. He has stood in well while the Academy battled its way upwards and all credit must go to him. I also had a chance to meet the new sponsors Aspirations, who come with a good record in nearby Poole. After a meeting of some 40 minutes, we all went to see a community careers event, attended by about 40 local businesses. I had arranged for Rebecca to meet Raina Summerson, the CEO of Agincare, and Peter Allam, the CEO of the National Sailing Academy. Both are involved in the Portland Economic Vision Group, which works hard at creating more jobs in the area. Finally, we met a group of parents, most of whom I knew. They are charming islanders who have a sound knowledge of the plight of the Academy over the past 11 years and have been understandably concerned by events. They were reassured by Rebecca's brief and I am glad to say that I feel the Academy is turning a corner. I am confident that the future looks bright for this new school on Portland. I had to return home to host a party for all those who had helped me during the election. We had a most entertaining and fun evening.