Edgware sixth form students quizzed the US Ambassador to the UK on its more controversial foreign and domestic policies.

Ambassador Matthew Barzun visited London Academy, in Spur Road, this week to meet the students in a bid to find out their views of the US and to discuss issues that were important to them.

Paddy McGrath, the school's principal, said it was an unforgettable experience for the students and a once in a lifetime opportunity to express their opinions to such an important member of the US administration.

He said: "This was a unique opportunity for our students to make direct contact with a high profile or important member of the United States’ administration.

"To receive a visit from, and be able to converse with, the US Ambassador to the UK was an immense privilege, and one which I am sure they will never forget.

"We are extremely grateful to the US Embassy for making possible this informative, stimulating and thought-provoking event."

The visit started with an interactive presentation, in which students voted using clicker buttons, to establish their perceptions of the US.

The students voted on some light hearted topics, 88 per cent voted that they would rather receive medical treatment in the UK.

Whilst more serious questions included, are the US involved too much in world problems - 70 per cent felt it was too much, 27 per cent not enough with only 3 per cent thought it was about right.

This was in contrast to views of the UK’s involvement in world problems where 22 per cent felt it was too much, 54 per cent not enough and 23 per cent about right.

The presentation addressed many topics, some related to foreign policy such as the Middle Eastern problem, visa waiver program, the US relationship with Israel but also US domestic issues such as the presidential nominations, with particular reference to Donald J. Trump, racial segregation and the US media.

The debate was both lively and engaging on both sides and the ambassador thanked the students for their interest and participation.