A flame-throwing science experiment was just one of the impressive displays laid on for Prince Edward at City of London Academy this week.

The Earl of Wessex, who formerly opened the school in Prebend Street, Islington, on Tuesday last week, met a group of Year 7 students who were conducting a chemistry experiment as he was given a tour of facilities.

His Royal Highness also met a group of Year 11 students on The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, was introduced to a group of 20 Year 8 students engaged in a business enterprise activity and dropped in on another group of Year 7 students on a fact-finding challenge in the library.

He also met basketball and netball players, enjoyed poetry and dance performances, and a show-stopping solo sung by student Alexandra Barrett.

Although the Academy has been up and running since 2008, its new building – equipped with new enhanced technologies – was completed in April 2010. Since last month, the academy has also shared facilities with its neighbouring special needs school – Richard Cloudesley.

Chair of governors, Richard Regan, said: “We are delighted with the official opening which signals a new beginning of the journey ahead. We are excited to work with the Richard Cloudesley School. Our children deserve the best and the City of London Academy Islington is where our students’ success story begin.