A specialist college welcomed high-profile politians for a tour of its facilities.

Elstree University Technical College, or UTC, in Studio Way, Borehamwood, welcomed Lord Andrew Adonis, shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt and Conservative Peer Lord Kenneth Baker to the college yesterday.

The visit was organised to allow the politicians to meet students and receive a tour of the facilities, which fopened in September last year.

Lord Adonis said: “I was hugely impressed by my visit to Elstree UTC. In just four terms, it has established itself as a highly successful college for students aspiring to work in the various parts of the music, dance and performance industries.

“It could not be better located, right next to Elstree Studios, and the students could not have been more highly motivated and outgoing.”

Mr Hunt added: “What you are seeing here in this wonderful UTC is that brilliant combination of both technical proficiency and also creativity and innovation, which is what the arts helps to produce.”

Students from the college, which has links to major employer partners including Elstree Studios, entertainment company Endemol and MOBO, were also given the opportunity to take part in a Question Time style debate with the politicians.

Pupils asked questions about education issues such as coursework being scrapped, apprenticeships the education maintenance allowance and university tuition fees.

Principal Moira Green said: “We were delighted to host a visit from Lord Baker, Lord Adonis and Tristram Hunt, the shadow education secretary. They were interested to see a UTC in action with a particular focus on our links with employers.

“Our students were magnificent in a Question Time-style debate about current educational issues. Visitors were left in no doubt about the importance of academic rigour, technical training and creativity to Elstree UTC students.

“I am delighted that our guests recognise the importance of practical education and were impressed with Elstree UTC students. I am extremely proud of the achievements of everyone at Elstree UTC.”