Hammersmith Academy was pleased to welcome Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Thursday 21st May 2026 as part of a visit focused on online safety and young people’s experiences of the digital world.
The visit formed part of the Government’s national consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which is gathering views from children, parents, schools and communities on the impact of digital technology and social media on young people.
During her visit, the Secretary of State met with students, parents, pastoral staff and Headteacher Gary Kynaston to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by life online. Conversations explored topics including social media, online wellbeing, digital habits and the role that schools and families play in supporting young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Picture by Alecsandra Dragoi / DSIT
The Secretary of State also toured the Academy, visiting science lessons and learning more about the school’s approach to supporting student wellbeing and maintaining a focused learning environment. Discussions included Hammersmith Academy’s mobile phone policy, which uses locking pouches to ensure mobile phones remain inaccessible during the school day.
As part of the visit, the Secretary of State also sat down with Channel 4 News for an interview focused on online safety and the Government’s consultation.
Gary Kynaston, Headteacher, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Liz Kendall and representatives from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to Hammersmith Academy. Online safety and digital wellbeing are hugely important issues for schools, parents and young people alike. It was invaluable for our students and families to have the opportunity to share their experiences directly and contribute to a national conversation that will help shape future policy.”
The visit reflects Hammersmith Academy’s commitment to preparing students for real world success by helping them develop not only academically, but also the confidence, awareness and resilience needed to navigate modern life safely, responsibly and thoughtfully.