High school prepares to host BBC Question Time

A head teacher has praised the impact of a topical debate programme on its students ahead of its return to the venue.

Northampton High School will host the BBC's Question Time on Thursday, marking the show's return after a previous visit in 2019.

The panel will feature government minister Sir Chris Bryant MP and former Conservative culture secretary Nadine Dorries, with BBC presenter Fiona Bruce at the helm.

Dr May Lee, head of the school, said: "[In 2019,] our students benefited hugely from getting to meet the panellists and also meeting Fiona [Bruce]."

Question Time first appeared on television in 1979, presented by Robin Day.

David Dimbleby hosted the programme until 2019 when Fiona Bruce took on the role.

The production team has transformed the high school for the event, bringing in five large lorries filled with equipment and staging.

"Last night when I left work, I saw some of the people cabling over our roof," Dr Lee added.

A proportion of the audience will be made up of students' parents, while some teachers will watch from the gallery rather than the main audience.

Ahead of the broadcast, an assembly was held to introduce students to the programme.

Dr Lee said pupils were "engrossed and excited by the opportunity for the show to come to our school".

When the panellists arrive, they will be welcomed by students who will engage them in discussions about their experiences and interests.

"Hopefully, they'll pose some challenging questions," Dr Lee added.

• The first BBC Question Time of 2025 airs at 22:40 GMT on BBC One

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