One of the country’s most senior politicians attended a prize-giving night at a school in Wood Green.

Shadow education secretary Tristan Hunt MP praised the students and staff of St Thomas More School, in Glendale Avenue, for their excellent work.

Last Week, the school gained the title of ‘most improved school in the country’ because of GCSE grades gained over the last three years.

Head boy Michael Akinbola and head girl Kalypso Panagi presented the Labour MP with an engraved glass bowl to commemorate his visit.

Parents and prize-winners packed the school hall and were entertained by the school choir, a short play and a poetry reading by pupil Lemar Barrett.

In his speech, executive headteacher Martin Tissot paid tribute to the governing body for helping the school gain academy status last year.

He said academy status had allowed the school greater financial freedom to pursue its educational goals, which he said was of prime importance due to a lack of funding in the borough.

Simon Bovell, 18, who studies economics, psychology and drama at A level, said: “The older students can see very clearly how good the school is today and the progress made, because we have lived through it.

“We are all determined to do well in our examinations and receiving a prize tonight gives me something to live up to.”