General election day came early to Bassingbourn Village College last week when five candidates were grilled by students.

Royston Crow: Conservative candidate Heidi AllenConservative candidate Heidi Allen (Image: Archant)

Prospective Conservative, Liberal Democrat, UKIP and Green Party candidates who will be contesting the South Cambridgeshire seat in May’s general election took part in a Question Time-style debate with 14, 15 and 16-year-old pupils putting them on the spot.

After a good grilling, Green Party candidate Simon Saggers was declared the winner ‘by a small margin’.

Headteacher Duncan Cooper said: “We do our very best to offer a great academic education here and I am proud of the achievements of our students and staff in that regard.

“We’ve recently enjoyed the best results in the school’s history, but education is about more than results. We aim to support our students in being great citizens and understanding the world outside school.”

Royston Crow: Green Party candidate Simon SaggersGreen Party candidate Simon Saggers (Image: Archant)

Conservative candidate Heidi Allen said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Bassingbourn Village College.

“The students are setting the standards for education. Keep up the good work.”

Labour candidate Dan Greef was unable to attend.

Royston Crow: Liberal Democrat candidate Sebastian KindersleyLiberal Democrat candidate Sebastian Kindersley (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: UKIP Marion Mason.UKIP Marion Mason. (Image: Archant)

Royston Crow: Students Natalie Thompson and Georgina Morris.Students Natalie Thompson and Georgina Morris. (Image: Archant)