SIXTH Form History and Sociology students at Sidmouth College enjoyed a visit from Baroness Butler-Sloss - a life peer in the House of Lords.

The Baroness was at the Primley Road campus last Friday as part of a nationwide scheme.

The Peers in Schools programme sends members of the House of Lords into schools to talk to young people about the advisory chamber’s work and role.

It is hoped the initiative will encourage students to engage more with the political and parliamentary process.

The Baroness talked to the students about working life in Westminster, allowing them to hear about politics first-hand from someone who helps make laws and hold the Government to account on a daily basis, before taking part in a question and answer session.

She then talked to a smaller group of students about the emancipation of women as a result of their A2 coursework, which is based around this area.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their time with the Baroness, said Sue Hurley, head of Sixth Form. She added: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to interact with someone who knows the parliamentary system inside out, as it can sometimes seem far removed from their daily lives.”