Former Home Office minister Lord Boateng dropped into the Royal Docks Community School in Custom House to speak about the importance of education.

The former Labour MP, who made history as the country’s first black cabinet member when he was appointed chief secretary to the treasury in 2002, spoke to Year 9 and Year 11 students.

He also led smaller group sessions, where students were given the opportunity to discuss his career and how they could begin to take their own steps towards their future.

Reflecting on his past, living on an estate in Hemel Hempsted, he encouraged the students to aim high in spite of background, race or gender.

Deputy headteacher and visit organiser Anita Sarkar said: “Lord Boateng’s visit was inspirational for the year 9 and year 11 groups that heard him speak.

“It was particularly striking how he talked about his own experiences and what had led and motivated him to achieve.

“Many of these students told me afterwards that talking with him had given them good ideas about the potential for their own lives ”