Students at a Borehamwood school practised being politicians by making speeches at Downing Street to mark a charity’s birthday.

Six Sixth Form students from Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood visited 11 Downing Street last week to celebrate the first year of Access’s work to help young people find work experience placements.

The young people were among 160 students from six schools and academies across the country who worked over the summer with employers found by the charity.

The placements are aimed at young people who do not have the connections to find their own and match them with their desired career choices.

Pamela Vivado received a placement with Barts Cancer Institute through the scheme, during which she was taught by PhD students and researchers how to perform experiments.

She said the week had been a “great insight into the vitality of research” adding she was “overwhelmed by the realisation of how broad and complex science really is.”

Pamela attended the reception in Downing Street last Wednesday and, along with classmate Ben Tiplady, was asked to make a speech thanking the Access representatives.

The Year 13 pupil said it had been a “surreal experience” walking down the iconic road and standing so close to No. 10.

She added: “I was beyond grateful to meet these people who genuinely care about providing students with beneficial stepping stones to reach their goals and stand out amongst the ever-increasing competition that surrounds us.

“During the evening, I had the honour of both making a speech to thank a room full of wonderful people, and to be able to say that I've made a speech at 11 Downing Street is nothing less than an experience of a lifetime.”

Headteacher Peter Gillet said the visit to Downing Street had been a reward for the students’ success on the work placement scheme.

He added: “We are so proud of them.”