This fantastic opportunity will give pupils the chance to question Peers on all aspects of their work in Parliament. The Peers will talk to the pupils about working life in Westminster, allowing them to hear about politics first hand from those who are making laws and holding the Government to account on a daily basis.

The day is part of the Peers in Schools programme that operates in all regions of the UK getting Members of the House of Lords into schools to meet young people. The scheme was devised and is managed by Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker, as part of the House of Lords outreach programme, which aims to raise awareness of the role of the House of Lords and encourage people to get involved in politics.

The Peers in School project launched in September 2007 and has so far organised more than 350 school visits, with Peers talking directly to over 17,000 pupils.

Commenting ahead of the visits, Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker, said:

“I am delighted that on Friday so many young people will have the opportunity to meet members of the House of Lords and find out about the important work we do in Parliament.

“Events in Westminster can sometimes seem very remote and it is vital that people understand what goes on and how they are able to interact with parliamentarians to promote and progress causes which are important to them.

“I hope that Peers in Schools can contribute to developing that understanding among school students. Friday is a fantastic opportunity for us to communicate directly with so many young people.”

Mr Pepperman, Head of History and Politics at Cheltenham College said:

"This is an excellent opportunity for pupils to learn about the role of Parliament and in particular the House of Lords. It will introduce them to ideas well beyond the A level syllabus and, along with lectures such as that by Lord Robertson, ex-Secretary General of NATO tonight, and Morley Society events, continues to inspire our pupils to be as academically driven and broad minded as they can be."