During his return visit, with parliamentary candidate Suzy Stride, he said: “I am so proud to be here. The transformation is the ambition to be world class and for students to compete with the best on earth. It is inspiring.”

The Labour minister took a tour of the school and was keen to see the classroom where his late mother taught science.

He was also wowed by the extensive performing arts facilities added since his time and the good behaviour and mature attitude of students.

Students from Years 7 to 11 were able to tell the MP any barriers they see to them achieving their career goals during a group activity, such as university tuition fees.

He told them: “Everything you have achieved is a real testament to your amazing teachers who really love you and cherish you and want you to be the best you can be.

“Coming back here it feels buzzy and happening. You have got such amazing ideas and ambitions for the future. It’s incredible.

“One of the reasons I wanted to come back is I didn’t do terribly well when I was here. Somehow, I got into uni and found something I really loved doing; I did well and got myself a decent job. I went off to Harvard University in America before joining the House of Commons ten years ago.

“My message is if I can do it, then so can you. You are more motivated, better trained and better equipped than I was when I was sitting where you are.

“The second reason for coming to see you is lots of people will tell you in life nothing is possible, when in fact you are in a world of opportunity.

“I took inspiration from this town. It didn’t matter where I started in life, I was going to make certain I got as far as I wanted to go. Coming back here, I see that lesson is still being taught.”

Headteacher Helena Mills, who presented the MP with his own Cheshire house tie, said: “I have been desperate for Liam to return to see us.

“Once we achieved outstanding status, I started to talk about us becoming world class, but people didn’t really know what I meant.

“Liam has mentioned being aspirational. It’s not just about Harlow, London or even the UK, but our roles in the wider world and what we will contribute.”

On the day of the visit, Mr Byrne announced Labour will limit unpaid internships to one month to stop the best jobs going to only the rich who can afford to work for nothing.