On Thursday 13th March 2008 the Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Chair of the Labour Party and Leader of the House of Commons joined local Labour MP for Hastings Michael Foster at William Parker Sports College where she opened the new Sixth Form Building. 
 
Harriet Harman was met by Michael Foster Labour MP for Hastings and Head Teacher of William Parker Sports College Derek Greenup, and the Head Teacher of Helenswood Dame Sheila Wallace. They were joined by sixth form students and their parents.

Harriet later joined Michael Foster MP and Labour Party members for a dinner at Hastings Football Club.