Pupils heard about potential future careers when a government minister, a fireman and a banker visited a primary school.

Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan MP visited Priestmead Primary School, in Hartford Avenue, to see an event held to inspire and inform children about their future careers.

The event, carried out in partnership with the Primary Futures organisation, involved nearly 40 volunteers from a range of professions, including a fireman, solicitor, banker and representatives from the BBC and the Football Association.

Pupils heard about the different range of careers available to them and volunteers spent time talking about the importance of reading and writing in their professions as part of World Book Week.

Headteacher Sash Hamidi said: “At Priestmead we believe learning experiences should be vivid and inspiring. This event with Primary Futures is a prime example of that and I am pleased it was such a great success.

“I know that the pupils enjoyed hearing from all the volunteers about their jobs. Events like this show how important a passion for reading and writing can create opportunities for them.

“We were also pleased that Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan MP had the opportunity talk to our pupils and see first hand the great work our staff do to inspire the future generation.”

Primary Futures is a nationwide initiative which aims to help children understand the link between their learning at school, and finding a job or career in later life.

Nicky Morgan added: “Our plan for education has already transformed standards in our schools, giving every young person the chance to master the basics and to focus on the academic subjects that universities and employers value the most.

“But we want to encourage greater collaboration between schools, industry and the business community. Primary Futures is a fantastic initiative that is helping inspire thousands of young children across the country - opening up their eyes to the world of possibilities available to them.

“Professional people are giving their time for free to show children that there should be no limit to what they can achieve, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to see this initiative in action.”