STATE-OF-THE-ART facilities at a Worcester school will help inspire the next generation of young scientists so Britain can compete on the world’s stage, says the MP who opened it.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, opened Bishop Perowne Church of England College’s new science suite.

The £331,000 development consists of two suites, one with three labs and the other with two, paid for by a grant from the Education Funding Agency. Parvin Sharma, head of science at the school, said: “The children have been in awe and those children who are only having science lessons in the other block are somewhat jealous. “Children are also taking far more care of the benches. They’re taking pride in their own environment as well. They seem more focused and enthusiastic about science.”

Headteacher Julie Farr said the new suite had raised aspirations still further and reflected a growing specialism in science, technology, engineering and maths at the school. “The labs are going to help us educate children not just for the next five years but for the next 50,” she said.

“The facilities are superb. We are very proud to have secured the funding. We have been delighted with Robin Walker’s support with the bid.” Robin Walker, who gave a speech to students in the new suite, confessed science had not been his best subject at school, but said: “This is about two things I’m very passionate about – education which is our future and also business. “If our country is going to be able to compete we need a strong science, engineering and maths base.” He said although there was now less money around to invest in “shiny new schools”, the Government had decided it needed to spend the money where it could make the most difference.