THREE lucky students were invited to spend the day with Price Andrew at Buckingham Palace.

The group from the New Campus Basildon Studio School, in Church Walk, Basildon, joined representatives from over 40 schools across Britain at a special conference.

The event, hosted by the Duke of York, who is the patron of the Studio Schools Trust, was designed to celebrate work being done to help young people from all walks of life achieve their aspirations Former England footballer also gave an inspirational talk.

Jasmine West, principal of the New Campus Basildon, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to participate in an incredible inspirational event and to feel like part of a growing educational movement within the UK. We are also really thrilled to celebrate the achievement of our students and hope that this experience will give them a sense of how important they are to the future of our society”.

Prince Andrew is passionate about young people gaining the employability and enterprise skills needed to succeed in the world of work.

He believes studio schools, which are designed to give youngsters practical skills, are key to their development.

Student Betsy More, 16, from Basildon, said: “The trip was totally amazing. Just the experience of being in the Palace was awesome. Hearing Prince Andrew and Sol Campbell talk about our education and future was so inspiring. It was also great to hear about how Sol Campbell has overcome his struggles in life, particularly in relation to racism.”

New Campus Basildon offers courses in business studies, sport, health and social care, and art and design for 14 to 19 year-olds.

The college is hosting an open day next Tuesday.

For more information, visit www.ncbstudioschool.org.uk.