An MP was given a guided tour of a pioneering new sixth form in Tottenham where she met pupils destined for great things.

Catherine West MP for Hornsey and Wood Green chatted to students at the newly opened London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, to hear about their future aspirations.

The school opened last year to 113 students in Year 12, of which 60 per cent are from the most deprived backgrounds but marked out as high academic achievers – with almost 90 per cent of their GCSE grades between A* and B.

Based on the site of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s new stadium development, LAE Tottenham employs teachers from fee-paying Highgate School and is sponsored by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Speaking during the visit on Friday March 2, Catherine West MP said: “I was very pleased to meet students who seemed to be making much progress in their A-levels and to hear about the important teaching partnership between Highgate School and LAE Academy.

“LAE Tottenham will provide a fantastic opportunity to young people in this part of London, ensuring Tottenham’s students are given the chance of the first-class education they deserve.”

Head at Highgate School, Adam Pettitt said: “There’s a buzz about this sixth form and what it can do for Tottenham in terms of social mobility which I hope Catherine has been able to pick up on during her visit. While we have worked in partnership with local state schools in Haringey for some time, our vision for LAE Tottenham has been about realising an innovative approach, designed to help those who otherwise would not have access to such a first-rate preparation for university and employment.

“It represents a hugely exciting signal for what the independent and state education sectors can achieve together in creative partnership."