Students from Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament by local MP Guy Opperman.

This was part of their trip linked to the school's newly launched politics A Level programme.

The students, who recently attended the PolEconUK Conference in Westminster, explored the iconic Westminster Hall, Central Lobby, and the Chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Mr Opperman said: "When I see pupils and staff at Queen Elizabeth High School, it is normally in Hexham.

"This time, it was a great pleasure to welcome them to the Houses of Parliament and have the opportunity to tell them about the incredible Palace of Westminster, which is steeped in so much history."

He praised the school's growth since its £37 million rebuild in 2021 and hailed the introduction of the Politics A Level as an example of the school's success.

Mr Opperman added: "I want to commend the pupils at the school for asking engaging questions during the tour and to thank the hardworking staff at the school for offering such an amazing opportunity.

"It is genuinely no wonder the school was identified as the highest-achieving school in Northumberland."

Hexham Courant: This was part of their trip linked to the school's newly launched Politics A Level programme.

Notably, this unique exposure is being appreciated by the staff and students.

Bethany Smith, a history teacher at Queen Elizabeth High School, shared her views.

She said: "The students enjoyed a politics-packed trip down to London attending the PolEconUK Conference on Monday, listening to talks by Jeremy Corbyn, Jess Phillips, Jacob Rees-Mogg and David Davis.

"On Tuesday we visited the Houses of Parliament for a guided tour - the students thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Houses of Commons and Lords in real life and are thoroughly grateful to Mr Opperman and his team for showing us round.

"The student's behaviour was impeccable throughout and they were a credit to the school."