University fees, pension cuts for doctors and Olympic refreshment prices were among the hot topics that politicians and a TV celebrity were grilled on at Havering College.

The College hosted a live webcast debate after winning the BBC’s Schools Questions and Answers competition.

On the panel were David Willetts, the universities and science minister, Liberal Democrat peer and former MP, Baroness Susan Kramer, Labour MP Rushanara Ali, writer/broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli and Havering College student Jamie Roper.

James Landale, the BBC’s deputy political editor, chaired the discussion, which went out live.

Mr Willetts said: “It has been an excellent debate. Havering College is a first rate college.” Baroness Kramer said: “I was incredibly impressed by the young people who shared their opinions with great confidence.”

Student panellist Jamie Roper, who is the college Student Union president, said: “I really enjoyed making my points in the debate.”