Music teachers do not come much more qualified than Jake Blair.

The 34-year-old has music in his blood, an ear for a hit tune and has even tasted success in the industry.

His impressive CV certainly adds flourish to lessons at Orchards Academy in Swanley.

Mr Blair regularly books up-and-coming bands to perform at the secondary school as a way of inspiring pupils to take an interest in music.

His latest “signing” was teenage pop stars EverYoung, who entertained a sell-out audience at the Swanley secondary school as part of a nationwide schools tour.

The four-piece certainly have a couple of hard acts to follow – previous bookings by the head of music have included pop rock band Lawson, who went on to have five UK Top 20 hits, and Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Luminites, who have just signed a record deal with Simon Cowell.

“We have a six-term academic year and I try to get a band in every other term,” said Mr Blair.

“I raise money through ticket sales which then helps to fund instrumental lessons for the pupils.

“The hall is always full with 200 seats and the students love it. It’s really important for their well-being in the school. It’s inspiring.”

Mr Blair is well-versed in the music industry himself, as former drummer for five-piece rock band, The Fuse.

Highlights of their career included living in Los Angeles for a year, attending star-studded award ceremonies including the Grammys and hanging out with record executive Russ Regan, who has been involved in the careers of Elton John, The Beach Boys, Neil Diamond and Barry White.

The Fuse also went on tour supporting British reggae pop band UB40 in the Netherlands.

Although he is now concentrating on a teaching career, Mr Blair still finds time to produce music for the likes of hit DJ Calvin Harris as well as TV advertisement jingles.

His industry contacts have enabled him to book such talented acts to perform at Orchards Academy, some might say he was born to teach – his mum is a head teacher and his two sisters teach music.

But he remains modest when asked whether his background is key to making music lessons popular.

“I’d like to think so,” he laughed. “A lot of the students come in to the music room at breaks and more are starting piano and guitar lessons.

“As for me, having been in the music industry it’s a case of been there, done it, and it certainly brings a different edge to lessons.”