Pop diva Rita Ora joined top retailers at the Fashion Retail Academy’s annual awards today to celebrate the success of young people keen to pursue a retail career.

The star was the surprise guest at the awards, which were presented by some of the retail leaders who back the shopkeeping school, including Arcadia tycoon Sir Philip Green and Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland.

The Academy has gone from strength to strength since it opened eight years ago. Student numbers have risen from 50 to more than 700 and it is in the top 20% of educational establishments.

83% of retailers who took students from the Academy for work placements said afterwards that that they would employ their work placement student.

As well as Green and Bolland, Academy patrons Christos Angelides, executive director at Next, and Tesco clothing boss Jason Tarry presented awards.

Tarry said: “This is a unique and brilliant institution that combines education and industry expertise.”

Green, who spearheaded the creation of the Academy, said: “We’ve shown what can be done. The students are excited and happy and big companies are engaged and helping.”