Sixth Form Question Time
Give your students the chance to debate with distinguished speakers and have their voices heard in the heart of Parliament Square at our annual Sixth Form Question Time.
Join us for Sixth Form Question Time, an exciting opportunity for students to pose questions to a panel of politicians, public servants, activists and faith leaders, focusing on the issues that are of most concern to them. Held in St Margaret’s Church, known as “the parish church of the House of Commons”, we hope the conversations sparked in this historic setting will inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.
We are delighted to welcome The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, to open the event as part of the celebrations to mark the 650th anniversary of the role of the Speaker.
Suitable for: KS5
Date: Tuesday 9th February 2027 at 1:00pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: This will be a live event taking place in St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey. If you are unable to join us in person this year, we are also live streaming the event so students from across the country can get involved.
Cost in-person: £7 per student (maximum of 15 students per school). Bursary available.
Cost online: £15 per link
Learning objectives
- To improve understanding of respectful debate and persuasive speaking
- To hear a range of perspectives on current affairs
- To apply classroom learning to real world political discussion
Curriculum links
- AQA Politics A level - Government and politics of the UK
- AQA History A level – The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007
- Pearson Edexcel Politics A level - UK politics and core political ideas, UK Government and non-core political ideas
Part of Speaker 650 celebrations
In 2027, UK Parliament are celebrating 650 years of the Speaker of the House of Commons. To mark this, Westminster Abbey will be live streaming our annual Sixth Form Question Time event for students around the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Following an introduction by the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, a series of pre-selected questions will be put to the panel. Students will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance of the event, and those whose questions are selected will be invited to ask them in person on the day. The panel will then discuss and debate each question before the chair opens the floor for follow-up questions and comments from the audience, allowing for further discussion and engagement.
Those joining online will be watching a live stream via YouTube. Teachers and students will not be seen on screen and there will be no recording of the event. Students online will not be able to engage with the live debate but will be able to submit questions to the panel in advance. If their questions are selected for the debate, the chair will ask these on the day. We encourage further discussion in the classroom.
In order to confirm your place, follow the booking link and complete the form.
Please have the following information ready:
- Your school (or home educator name) and postcode
- Your name and school email address
- Whether you intend to partcipate in person or online
- The number of students you wish to attend (maximum 15 in person)
- If you would like to add a visit to the Abbey or UK Parliament to your booking*
You will be sent a booking confirmation.
*Why not extend your visit to Westminster by exploring Westminster Abbey or UK Parliament? You can book a self-led visit to the Abbey on the same day as Question Time at no extra cost. This year, there are also a limited number of school visits to UK Parliament available in the morning of 9th February, exclusively for schools attending Question Time. Schools wishing to visit Parliament will enter a ballot and successful schools will be notified on 2nd November.
For your students to make the most of the event we encourage them to submit as many questions as possible by 22nd January 2027. These will then form the debate. Schools will be sent the panellists’ information and a link to submit questions at the beginning of the Spring Term. Please ensure students take time to familiarise themselves with the panel before submitting their questions.
Online: Please ensure you have the link to the live stream and the ability to access YouTube, along with a stable internet connection, a large screen (such as a whiteboard) and speakers.
At the beginning of the Spring term, schools will be sent:
- Short biographies for each panellist
- A guide on how to form good questions
- A link to submit questions to the panel
We have a wide range of post-16 teaching resources. You may also be interested in booking an Abbey and Parliament guided tour, or book a self-led visit.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact [email protected]
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