A RUNCORN student was hand-picked for a unique work placement in the Westminster office of the Prime Minister.

Ryan Stewart, 17, was given privileged access working alongside Theresa May’s team of civil servants.

The teenager’s experience was only made possible through the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF), a charity that supports high-achieving young people from low-income backgrounds to realise their ambitions.

Ryan, from Palacefields, said: “It was so fantastic. Growing up on a council estate I never thought I would get an opportunity like this. I thought opportunities like this were reserved for a privileged few.

“I worked in the Palace of Westminster and learned so much from the Prime Minister's staff who made me feel so welcome and comfortable.

“I wrote some press briefings and research documents. When Theresa May visits companies she needs to know all about them. I was able to find out about businesses in her constituency.”

The charity arranged for Ryan to stay in university accommodation while he was in London.

He visited Downing Street and was fascinated to discover how parliament works.

Ryan, who lives with his mum Donna and four-year-old brother James, said: “I count myself very lucky to have been given so many opportunities and want to give something back.

“I'd like to use my experience in politics to help other working class people like me achieve their full potential.

“I want Britain to be a meritocracy, a place where no matter your background, if you work hard you reap the rewards.

“Sadly our society isn't like this, barriers are placed towards the hardest working children in our society in spite of their best efforts.”

Ryan is studying A-levels in government and politics, history and English literature at Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School in Liverpool.

He plans to take a gap year to do voluntary work in Asia or America.

“This work experience has made me realise I need to broaden my horizons,” he said.

“I’m looking to get involved in humanitarian aid and definitely want to work in mainsteam politics when I’m older.”

David Johnston, chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, said: “This experience is an invaluable opportunity for a student such as Ryan.

“He was chosen for this placement based on his engagement with our programme and his undeniable enthusiasm for current affairs and UK politics.”

With 33 per cent of MPs having attended private school compared to seven per cent of the population, students that the SMF works with know the barriers they face in reaching the elite professions, not least within politics.

Experiences like Ryan’s are essential, says the SMF, if Westminster is to be accessible to people from a range of backgrounds.

The charity is opening a new office in Liverpool in October sponsored by the Alstom Foundation to provide opportunities for more young people.