Rishi Sunak visited Hutton Rudby Primary School to see how children are developing key skills in numeracy and English.
Mr Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, were welcomed by Headteacher Rob Johnson, who took on the role last year.
During the visit Mr Sunak and Ms Murty engaged with pupils across different year groups and observed how teachers are fostering confidence in core subjects.
Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, and Ms Murty joined students as they built their understanding in the foundations of numeracy. Teachers explained how these early experiences with numbers lay the foundation for future learning and later life.
Mr Sunak spoke to children about how they use numeracy outside the classroom, with some discussing how they measure ingredients or plan routes when travelling. Teachers highlighted the importance of making numeracy relatable to everyday life.
During the visit, the couple also joined a small group practising their reading skills, sounding out letters and building confidence in literacy. Staff shared their approach to early reading and the impact of structured phonics lessons on long-term learning success.
The visit comes shortly after the announcement of The Richmond Project, the new UK-wide charity founded by Mr Sunak and Ms Murty to support innovative approaches to improving numeracy skills and confidence for children and adults.
Mr Sunak said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Hutton Rudby Primary and see the enthusiasm of both pupils and teachers. Watching children build confidence with numbers at such a young age reinforces how important it is to nurture these skills early”.
“We saw some fantastic teaching, and it is inspiring to see the commitment and creativity of the teachers in helping children gain the skills they need for the future.”
Rob Johnson, headteacher, said: “The children really enjoyed hosting Mr Sunak and showing off how they learn. Our Year 6s particularly enjoyed competing in times tables challenges with Rishi.
“The children in Year 1 were very proud to demonstrate their speedy phonics skills and Reception loved counting with Rishi and Akshata.”
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