Question Time

Students in 2006 discussed their plans with David Dimbleby

Four schools have won the right for nominated pupils to help make a BBC One Question Time programme.

Each of the schools will select two pupils to join the production team for a special Schools Question Time programme on 5 July.

The four schools chosen from all those taking part in this year's Schools Question Time Challenge are:

• Denbigh School, Milton Keynes
• Ilford Ursuline High School, Ilford
• Ringwood School, Ringwood
• Whitby Community College, Whitby

The eight selected students will help make key editorial decisions and take on production roles such as editor, audience producers and panel producers.

The programme's presenter David Dimbleby said: "Pupils from the four winning schools will be producing their Question Time programme during a period of dramatic political challenge and change.

"The appointment of a new prime minister will generate interest in policy implications at home and abroad and the Schools Question Time events held across the country reveal that young people are concerned about the decision-making process on issues that shape the future."

He added: "They have a sharp focus on both domestic problems - from gang crime, the impact of immigration and student debt - to wider, international issues, from the war in Iraq to global warming. I look forward to working with them."

The challenge

Students are able to get involved in various aspects of production

The Schools Question Time programme is the final product of a far wider education initiative to help schools nationwide by supporting the citizenship curriculum, helping improve students' public speaking and listening skills and engaging young people in society and politics.

Schools across the UK, with pupils aged 14-19, were eligible to enter the challenge.

Participating schools were invited to plan a Question Time event, selecting topics and a panel to discuss the chosen issues.

Twelve schools were selected to stage their own local Schools Question Time events in March in front of a team of judges who selected the four winning schools.

Alongside the BBC, the Schools Question Time Challenge is supported by the BT Better World Campaign, the Institute for Citizenship and the Times Educational Supplement.