Inside Liz Truss' leafy ‘world-class’ state school—‘she's talking out her a***e about it!'

Liz Truss remains the favourite to become the next Prime Minister, but she still has to beat Rishi Sunak in the final two to win the keys to Number 10. The contenders have clashed over a number of issues in recent weeks, including the economy, tax cuts, foreign policy and Brexit. With the contest being so bitter, Ms Truss and Mr Sunak's personal lives have also been used to score political points. Just one example of this came after Ms Truss spoke about her education in one of the televised debates.

The Foreign Secretary claimed that she saw kids being "let down" when she studied at Roundhay school in Leeds, where she grew up.

This caused anger from local politicians and even some of Roundhay's alumni.

Fabian Hamilton, the current MP for the Leeds North East constituency, said that Ms Truss' claims were "shameful".

Martin Pengelly, a former student at the school and now a journalist, wrote an article for the Guardian in which he said Ms Truss was "not telling you the truth".

So what was Rounahy School like when Ms Truss attended, and how has it changed since then?

When Ms Truss attended Roundhay, it was rated "satisfactory" by Ofsted.

She has previously claimed that, during her time at school, too much time was spent "learning about racism and sexism" and "there was too little time spent making sure everyone could read and write.”

In the 2020 speech, she added: “Rather than promoting policies that would have been a game changer for the disenfranchised, like better education and business opportunities, there was a preference for symbolic gestures.”

Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's Cabinet member for learning, skills, employment and equality at the time, hit back.

He said: "The fact that a Conservative MP infers that being taught about sexism and racism is a waste of time speaks volumes.

"Schools should absolutely be teaching that sexism and racism have no place in society."

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Roundhay has now been rated "outstanding" by Ofsted since 2013, and it lies within a leafy suburb.

The area, as reported by the Independent last week, is even home to some professional footballers.

Families in the western part of Roundhay earn an average of £55,700 a year.

The school itself is set in 22 acres of grounds, and 13 new luxury flats are being built in the periphery.

Roundhay teaches children from age four right up until they finish their A-levels at 18.

Last year, the primary campus was awarded Primary School of the Year at the Pearson National Teaching Awards.

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As Roundhay's website outlines, the school went through a "rigorous" process with the ‘World Class Schools’ organisation.

They give assessments for non-selective state schools, and even give some 'world class' status.

Roundhay passed this assessment, earning the 'world class' status

As the school's website also shows, Roundhay boasts astro-turf pitches, a gymnasium kitted out with rock climbing facilities and even a radio station.

After Ms Truss' recent comments about her school life, The Independent spoke to locals from the area who dismissed her claims.

Kevin Clamp told the news outlet: “She’s talking out of her arse.

"There’s so much money round here it’s embarrassing. It’s clean, green, affluent. Most people would give their right arm to live in a place like this.”

Mr Clamp, who grew up in South Africa, added: “I lived all over the world before I settled here [six years ago], so I know a dive when I see one. I doubt she could say the same.”