A debate on the EU referendum led by four students at Sandwich Technology School is set to feature on today’s ITV’s Meridian News.

Filmed in the school on Monday, June 13, Finlay Glitheroe and Christopher Viney spearheaded the Remain argument, while Theo Lawless-Hughes and Aiden Baker tried to persuade the audience of the merits of the Leave campaign.

It was chaired by Meridian’s political editor Phil Hornby.

The audience was made up of interested students from Years 9, 10 and 12, who were also involved by posing challenging and thought provoking questions for the student panel.

Christian Nicolson, assistant head teacher, who organised the event, said: “When ITV first approached us I thought it was a wonderful way to get the students involved with this hugely important national debate.

"Many of our students are too young to vote, but they are certainly not too young to have an opinion or engage with politics, as this event proved." - Christian Nicolson, assistant head teacher

“Of course, many of our students are too young to vote, but they are certainly not too young to have an opinion or engage with politics, as this event proved.”

Each member of the panel opened the debate with a summary of the subject as they saw it and supported their arguments with well-researched facts, figures and quotes.

The debate was then opened up to the audience who asked questions, which covered many topical issues including the impact of Brexit on university tuition fees and studying abroad, the local economy and employment, and migration and immigration.

Mr Viney said: “I really enjoyed the experience and it was a great opportunity. The questions and discussions were highly sophisticated and it was a great occasion.”

Head teacher Tracey Savage said: “I was enormously proud of all the students. The questions asked were highly relevant and well considered and the sixth form students who led the debate were fantastic.

“In fact I would go so far as to say that the way they presented their arguments, debated with each other and responded to the questions was more articulate, polite and grounded in researched fact than many professional politicians who I have heard speaking on this subject recently.

“I am full of respect for all those involved.”

The debate is scheduled to feature in ITV’s Meridian News today.

People will vote In or Out in polling stations throughout the country tomorrow. The count for the Dover District area will take place from 10pm at Dover Town Hall.

The estimated completion time is 2am on Friday.