The head boy at Kings Langley Secondary School was invited to attend an event at the House of Lords last week.

Luke Sills was invited as a guest of Yolanda Rugg, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire's Chamber of Commerce, to the event which was based around the issue, 'Bridging the gap between business and education'.

Also in attendance were several MPs from across the country, lords and baronesses and representatives from the world of business, including Michael Davis, the Chief Executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Dr Adam Marshall an Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking of his experience, Luke said: "I was sat on a table with Baroness Garden of Frognal and Lord Lucan - the editor of the Good Schools Guide.

"We had some fascinating discussions about the need to bridge the gap between education in the UK to ensure it meets the needs of employers and the business world.

"It was astonishing to find out that 57 per cent of employers claim young people do not have the 'soft skills' desired by industry, and are therefore almost unemployable.

"However, when I was asked to address the guests, and give my insight into the issues, I was proud and relieved to state that at Kings Langley we ensure that not only academic excellence is achieved, but also the development of the entire person, specifically in terms of building character.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and it was a great privilege to be amongst some very influential people in the setting of the beautiful Palace of Westminster."