BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? was broadcast live from Sheffield’s second and newly opened University Technical College (UTC) on Friday, November 25th.
 
The lively topical discussion programme, presented by Jonathan Dimbleby, attracts a high profile panel of personalities from the world of politics, the media and beyond.
 
Ten students and 150 members of the public attended the event, which provided them with an opportunity to ask the panel a question and join in the debate.  
 
Alastair Campbell, political commentator and strategist; Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport; Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury; and Merryn Somerset Webb, Editor-in-Chief of MoneyWeek, were on the panel. To listen to the programme, visit the BBC website.  
 
Sarah Clark, Principal of UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park campus, said: “We were proud to welcome our students and local community to take part in such a lively and high profile debate, which included an interesting discussion on UTCs that was sparked by a question from one of our students.”
 
Student Charlotte Timms, aged 14, said: “It was a really interesting experience to take part in the programme, and get involved in the debate which included a question about UTCs. I think UTCs are a brilliant idea. They provide such a different environment for learning compared to schools.”
 
UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park campus, on Old Hall Road, for 14 to 19-year-olds, opened this September. The £10 million facility specialises in computing, health sciences and sport science. Students complete technical as well as academic qualifications. For more information about open evenings and showcase events in December, visit the Sheffield UTC website.