PRIME Minister David Cameron was special guest at an Oxfordshire school prom as he officially opened the school as a new academy.

Mr Cameron, who is also the constituency MP for Burford School, listened to pupils perform two jazz numbers before declaring the academy officially open.

Mr Cameron said: “I was delighted to be able to join Burford School in their celebration of converting to academy status. I think the academy programme is a really great initiative and converting more schools into academies makes a big difference.”

The Witney MP added: “I hope this new status will enable Burford School to build upon their existing firm foundations while enjoying new freedoms.”

Mr Cameron also planted a tree to mark the occasion.

Headteacher Kathy Haig said the move to academy status would empower the school to make decisions at a local level. She said: “This will strengthen Burford’s ability to become a school which provides outstanding education for the students it serves.”