It’s lucky Highgate headteacher Adam Pettitt can take a joke at his own expense.

Last year, then-education secretary Michael Gove compared the diminutive Highgate School headmaster to Kylie Minogue.

And now world famous X Factor judge and music mogul Simon Cowell has also given him a ribbing at the launch of a retail work experience scheme at the school.

Mr Pettitt turned talk-show host at the glittering launch party last Wednesday to interview Mr Cowell on what it takes to be successful.

But he was met with a cheeky response after asking if looks still matter in showbusiness.

Mr Cowell told him: “No, I liked you as soon as I met you.”

Mr Pettitt appeared to have taken fashion advice on the night from Topshop boss Sir Philip Green, with whom he helped launch the scheme.

He was dressed head to toe in a snappy suit from Topshop, and quipped he could be the store’s most unlikely new model.