The Secretary of State for Education came away ‘very impressed’ from a visit to The King’s on his tour of schools in East Devon.

Michael Gove, accompanied by local MP Hugo Swire, was given a tour by sixth-formers, and engaged in a lively debate with the school parliament.

The minister even came face-to-face with its Prime Minister, Natalie McKay, as the students discussed the inclusivity of education and other hot topics.

Headteacher Faith Jarrett said: “I was just so proud of them, there was no need for me to step in and talk to Mr Gove about anything they did a brilliant job themselves.”

She said the Ottery academy ‘did things quite differently’, adding: “It felt like a very positive moment to give them this time with the minister.”

The education secretary attended a house assembly at The King’s before a question and answer session with a very different Cabinet to the one he is used to.

Its PM, Natalie, 18, said: “It was an eye-opening and interesting experience. The school council enjoyed the challenge of questioning a minister.”

Hugo Swire, who was showing Mr Gove schools and colleges in the area, said he was also suitably impressed with the students.

The East Devon MP said: “Whenever I have met students from The King’s, either locally or when they have come on trips to the House of Commons, I have been impressed by their intelligence, confidence and good manners.”

He said it was down to the leadership shown by Ms Jarrett and her staff, adding: “I am pleased to say that Michael Gove came away very impressed!”

The minister also visited Exmouth Community College, Clyst Vale Community School and Broadclyst Primary School before opening Bicton College’s EaRTH [corr] centre.