Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing met potential future politicians when she visited Waltham Holy Cross Primary School in Waltham Abbey.
She saw the improvements that have been made to the school since it was taken over by the NET Academies Trust, and was particularly impressed with the "brilliant" playground.
Dame Eleanor met Year 6 students who are studying Parliament for a history project and answered various questions from the children.
Some of the pupils said they would like to be MPs and Dame Eleanor encouraged their interest in politics.
She said: “It was inspiring to meet such an enthusiastic and interesting group of children.
"They asked some incisive and intelligent questions. I was most impressed by their knowledge.”
