Ed Balls teaches Westbourne Green pupils

He taught the class of 30 11 and 12-year-old students about conflict resolution, for around 45 minutes on Wednesday (3) last week.

Mr Balls said: "Doing the research and planning the lesson took time, but it was time well spent.

"The children were really enthusiastic and they all engaged positively.

"I really enjoyed myself but I also now know quite how hard it is being a teacher.

"The principal and teachers at Westminster Academy should be proud of the great work they do."

The lesson was part of a challenge set to 40 high-profile figures by Teach First, in a bid to encourage children to become teachers in future.

Mr Cosgrave originally became a teacher with the help of the charity's graduate recruitment programme.

He graduated from St John's College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature before becoming a teacher.

His initial contract was for two years, but he has decided to stay on at Westminster Academy for a third year.

Around three-quarters of his year 11 GCSE class exceeded their targets last year, and he has now been appointed year 7 literacy co-ordinator.