STAFF from an Oxford school joined politicians to celebrate links between the state and independent sectors.

Magdalen College School colleagues met ministers, MPs and peers at the House of Commons last week, for an event called Celebrating Partnerships.

It was hosted by the all-party parliamentary group on independent education, to recognise the importance of sharing expertise and facilities.

Speakers at the event included Lord Agnew, and Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran.

Magdalen College School (MCS)'s master, Helen Pike, said: "The event was an important opportunity to celebrate the 140 organisations MCS is in partnership with every year."

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Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said: "Working with the Department for Education, we have been making huge strides to develop and strengthen partnership projects between independent and state schools, which benefit tens of thousands of pupils every year.

"Collaborating with local communities and other schools is part of the very essence of our schools.

"We know that when carried out effectively, by schools choosing to work together voluntarily to achieve clear and specific aims, partnership projects have the potential to unlock new educational experiences for all involved."

Last month MCS revealed that 44 pupils - almost a third of the year group - received an offer from Oxbridge in 2019.

It has various partner schools in the state sector, and also played a role in preparing some of those pupils for university interviews.

Of the pupils from partner schools, 11 also achieved offers from Oxbridge - including five pupils from Wheatley Park School, three from Cheney School and two from Matthew Arnold.

MCS staff offered support with personal statements, mock interview practice and put on dedicated conferences for children interested in medicine and engineering.