Stroud High School recognised by European Parliament school programme

Clare Moody, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England, and staff from the European Parliament Liaison Office paid a visit to the Stroud High to celebrate the scheme’s completion on Monday (November 28). 

The European Parliament Ambassador School scheme is an EU-wide programme which has been available in the UK since 2021 and connects its member schools to a network of 1,500 schools, and 23,000 pupils and students throughout Europe.

As part of the programme SHS has established partnerships with schools in Finland and Estonia. 

Former MEP Clare Moody unveiling the honorary plaque with SHS headteacher Mark McShane and students (Image: European Parliament Liaison Office)

Former MEP Clare Moody with Stroud High students (Image: European Parliament Liaison Office)

A spokesperson from the European Parliament Liaison Office said: “The EU and UK continue to be close and special partners, as both share deeply held values and democratic principles. 

“These shared values highlight and emphasise upon the importance of parliamentary democracy and education for young people. 

“For this reason, the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom has continued to offer a set of free educational programmes and resources to UK school pupils and college students. 

“These programmes and resources are designed to nurture mutual understanding, and ensure that future generations continue to learn, connect, and broaden their horizons together."

Stroud High is one of the most active EPAS schools across the network, having completed the programme over the course of two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. 

As part of their involvement, the school attended the first EPAS meet-up event at London’s Europe House in May this year. 

In recognition of their contribution to the EPAS programme, a selection of schools across the UK are recognised with the unveiling of an honorary plaque. 

Following the unveiling of the plaque, Clare Moody delivered a presentation and spoke to students about the importance of maintaining close links with European neighbours. 

“It is always wonderful to see the curious minds of our youth looking out to the rest of the world," she said. 

“The tenacity and dedication of the students and staff at Stroud High School towards learning about keeping strong ties with our friends and neighbours across Europe fills me with optimism towards our global political future.”

Former MEP Clare Moody speaking with students at Stroud High School (Image: European Parliament Liaison Office)

If you are interested in getting your school involved in the EPAS programme, you can find more information on the EPLO UK website or contact - eplondon@europarl.europa.eu