Students played guitar and drums with an Israeli Government Minister who came to see what his country could learn from their school.

Education Minister Rabbi Shai Piron visited Elstree UTC in Borehamwood this morning to learn about life at the technology college.

Businessman David Meller, who sits on the board of the Department of Education, said: “I came up with the idea for this college to give vocational training to students who would not necessarily make it and to help them find jobs in an industry they love.

“The minister is here to see what he can learn from us about improving vocational education in his own country.”

The minister toured classrooms and studios at the newly opened college, which specialises in vocational education for film, television and the creative arts.

He listened as young people showed of their music making, sound and lighting talents, performing hits by Adele, Louis Armstrong and Leonard Cohen, as well as their own compositions.

Rabbi Piron, who is himself a keen guitarist and drummer, then picked up an electric guitar to jam with the students, before switching to the drums, where he accompanied them singing Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’.

The minister also heard from headteacher Moira Green and sponsor David Meller.

Student Rafi Galkoff, who helped show Rabbi Piron and his entourage around, said: “The minister looks as though he is really enjoying himself here. I was frightened when he heard a track I’d written, sung and recorded, but he seemed to appreciate it.”

The students filmed the tour, which they edited and then presented to the delighted minister before he left.

Rabbi Piron said: “The school is amazing. I am very impressed by what I have seen here. The students are fantastic and their teachers are wonderful. I hope we can have something like this in our own country.”

Ms Green said she was delighted by the manner in which the minister had engaged with the students and appreciated what the school had to offer.

She said: “Our students are embracing my vision of the college and the minister has engaged with them fully. It was wonderful to see him jamming with them.  

“We have agreed to work closely with the minister to develop a similar school in Israel. He and his delegation are now going to report back to Education Secretary Michael Gove about what they have seen. I am sure they will say how wonderful we are and I hope Mr Gove comes to see the school himself.”