Political pundit Robert Peston told students at a Highgate school about his journey from working in a greengrocer to hosting his own TV show.
The ITV News political editor gave a talk to 50 pupils at the City of London Academy in Highgate Hill about his career in journalism.
It was set up by Speakers For Schools, the social mobility charity that Peston founded in 2010 to encourage aspiration in state-educated pupils. The broadcaster grew up - and still lives - in North London, and attended Highgate Wood, a state secondary school.
He talked about an early job in a greengrocers and writing for the UK's top broadsheets, including the Financial Times, The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph, before hosting his own ITV show, Peston.
After offering top tips and life lessons, he answered questions from the floor.
Peston said: “I created Speakers for Schools to encourage ambition and aspiration in state school students and to help level the playing field with fee-paying schools.
"It is the initiative of which I am most proud. Young people should hear directly from inspirational and eminent people, to foster a can-do culture, to broaden and deepen horizons for careers and life.
"I went to a school very similar to the City of London Academy, and I am profoundly grateful to it for giving me the confidence and drive to chase my dreams.
"Speakers for Schools is my way of saying thank you. Today, and as usual, when I am interrogated by school students, I feel challenged and energised. I was impressed by the thoughtful questions the students from City of London Academy put to me. It was a privilege to meet them."
City of London Academy Highgate Hill principal Prince Gunnah said: "We are delighted to have local legend Robert Peston visit our school. The students were so excited to see him and asked truly brilliant questions. Talks like this are vital to spark our students’ self-belief and aspirations for their futures.”
Speakers for Schools has built a network of more than 1,500 high-flying speakers who deliver advice and life lessons to state school students, rivalling the alumni networks of private schools. Other speakers include Tom Kerridge, North London rapper Wretch 32, and leading CEOs and senior politicians.
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