How often to you get to perform in front of a global audience with a multi-award winning rock band? Probably not that often.

But students from a school in Croydon did just that last week as they performed live on BBC Radio 1 with Canadian rock band Arcade Fire.

Students from Oasis Academy Shirley Park were invited by the band through English musician and record producer Steve Mackey, best known for playing for Brit-pop era band, Pulp.

Mr Mackey had met some of the school kids earlier this month at music charity Restore The Music’s Battle of the Band competition, where the Academy’s Rap Club came first place.

Travelling from Croydon to the BBC Broadcasting House in central London, the academy’s performers had just a few minutes to prepare with the band before they joined them to sing on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

The students sung a song from Arcade Fire’s new album and also covered Lorde’s song, Green Light.

After the half an hour of national radio, the students had a chance to speak and have photos with the band, before it was time to return to school.

Amaya Sewell said: “I found it amazing, because we got to see behind the scenes of what we listen to on the radio. Also we got to see how things work and how other people perform and sound different to us.”

Lamar Scarlett said: “to perform with Arcade Fire in their BBC Live Lounge was an incredible experience. I’m also grateful that they invited us on and gave us that chance.”

Commenting on the performance, Tom Lancaster, head of music at Oasis Academy Shirley Park said: “we are so grateful to Arcade Fire, Steve Mackey, BBC Radio 1 and our funders Restore the Music for giving our students such a fantastic experience that they will never forget.”