Naturally I am very concerned at the ongoing situation at St Catherine's Catholic School and that apparently due to strike action the girls are not receiving the education they deserve.

I have been attempting to get a meeting at the school with either of the acting co-headteachers or the acting Chair of Governors to discuss the issues and their plans to resolve the situation, but unfortunately this has not been forthcoming to date.

I have also been in touch with our Regional Schools Commissioner, representatives from La Sainte Union, the Education Commission for the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Leader of Bexley Council (Cllr Teresa O'Neill OBE), and the Secretary of State for Education (Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP), to see what assistance they may be able to give to help bring thisto a conclusion.

I will continue to pursue this matter vigorously.