Detentions if you're one minute late to school or forget a pen or ruler are just some of the rules at a London school, where a Kiwi woman has been named Britain's strictest teacher.

Auckland-born Katharine Birbalsingh is the headmistress at Michaela Community school, a charter school in a poor part of London.

Children have debates while eating their lunch and have lessons in Shakespeare and French.

Katharine Birbalsingh told Mike Hosking the environment helps kids who come from lower socio economic backgrounds.

"I know our poorest children are the ones who suffer most from a lack of rigour that can sometimes occur in some classrooms."

LISTEN ABOVE AS KATHERINE BIRBALSINGH SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING