STUDENTS in Ponteland have voted overwhelmingly for Britain to remain in the European Union.

Students at Ponteland High School held a school debate tackling the EU referendum question. And the resulting vote saw the remain campaign take a landslide victory of 73 per cent.

In the week ahead of the vote, sixth form students campaigned on behalf of both sides of the issue.

Year 12 students David Johnson, Oliver Jennings, Dan Wright and Chloe Bland, led the leave campaign.

And Michael Dwyer, Molly Hall, Ben Eggleston and Owen Stratford argued in favour of staying in the EU.

They presented their arguments in assemblies to younger students in years nine, 10 and 11.

And throughout the week, both teams took time to speak to younger students to engage them with the various arguments surrounding the EU referendum.

The campaign ended on Tuesday, May 3 with a debate in front of sixth form students.

And the ensuing ballot saw the 73 per cent vote in favour of the UK remaining in the European Union.

Acting head of modern foreign languages and campaign organiser Julie Hall said: “I hoped this event would encourage students to understand that political decisions being made now will have a direct impact on their lives and opportunities as they leave school.

“They need to be aware of what’s going on around them in the world in terms of current affairs, so that when they are 18, they can exercise their right to vote by making an informed choice, rather than just following the political views of their families and friends.”

Year 13 student and a member of the Stronger in the EU campaign, Molly Hall, said: “I’m going to be studying languages next year at university and the EU is clearly a great platform for students to easily work, travel and live across Europe – the best ways to learn a language.

“I’ve also seen the beauty of co-operation and union by participating in sessions of the European Youth Parliament.

“I wanted to help raise awareness about the referendum, as the majority of Year 13 can vote in June and I believe everyone should have enough information and interest to make an informed decision.”

Fellow year 13 student Ben Eggleston said: “The school campaign has taught me that despite what the media says, young people are very interested in politics and hold a variety of informed and deeply-considered views, and have been very happy to hear both sides of the argument on this topic.

“Overall, the experience has been fun and I hope that everyone in school feels they either know enough to make the right decision, or are inspired to research further.”