Pixie Lott

The ‘Mama Do’ starlet spent several hours at Brentwood County High School, which is close to her home.

As part of the government’s ‘Tune in -Year of Music’ campaign, she sang live, answered pupil’s questions and helped inspire their music lessons.

She said: “It’s wicked, it’s so cool to come to a local school and perform to a young audience, it was a lot of fun.”

She told BBC Essex’s Ian Wyatt it was not impossible for anyone in the assembly to follow in her footsteps.

“You definitely can, if you just keep trying and you’re passionate and determined enough about music. If you keep trying you can definitely get there I think,” she said.

Head teacher at Brentwood County High, Carol Mason, was delighted to have Pixie in her assembly to emphasise the importance of music as a subject.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, the kids and staff have absolutely enjoyed it – thrilled,” she said.

“Who knows, we could have the next Pixie Lott in our school. Without cherishing that early on, we’ll never know.”