Students at a college welcomed a member of the Royal Family to celebrate 13 years of running a self-improvement programme.

HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex spoke with youngsters at Leyton Sixth Form College on Thursday, November 16 as part his Royal Tour.

Over 1,000 students aged 14 and over at the college in Essex Road, Leyton have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme which was launched in 1956.

It sees students train for expeditions, learn practical skills and offer their time as volunteers and is embedded in the college curriculum, acting as a study pathway alongside academic courses.

Prince Edward spent the morning talking to students, staff and community partners about the different elements of the programme and students’ achievements and experiences.

Principal Gill Burbridge said the Prince was “relaxed an approachable” as he chatted to the youths about their future aspirations.

She said: “We obviously want students to achieve the best possible results that they can but we also believe that education is so much more than the qualifications you leave with.

“This is why we continue to invest in providing a range of wider experiences and opportunities to complement, extend and enhance what happens in the classroom.

“The Dof E award is an important element of this commitment to a broad and stimulating education and to a college community in which each person is valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential.”

“He also encouraged students to move away from the traditional approach to the expedition element so it looks like we might have to offer horse riding, canoeing and cycling as well as walking in the future.”