On Tuesday, 21 students of government and politics were given the opportunity to have an audience after school with Mr Iain Duncan Smith, the former leader of the Conservative Party, Secretary of State for Works and Pensions and MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.

The girls asked a range of probing questions including identifying his greatest achievement. Mr Duncan Smith offered a learned insight into parliament and government, giving our students a more rounded view of politics and politicians. His expertise on the welfare system gave us all a better understanding of the complexities of change.

They say a week is a long time in politics, but the generous hour plus that we were afforded by Mr Duncan Smith flew by. All thanks to him for his time and to Mr Storey who accompanied the students.