Alex, John, Carys, Phoebe and Izzy, a team of Year 6 students from St John’s Primary School, Midsomer Norton, will be appearing on a CBBC television show, set to air on Sunday, 24th September.

Competing in a University Challenge-style quiz show billed as ‘Top Class – The Search for the UK’s Smartest School’, students are challenged on subjects in the national curriculum. As an added twist, their teacher, Lauren David, is quizzed too – except her subject is tween-age pop culture.

So how did a local school end up on national television? Miss David said she was approached by Alex and John to enter a school team. They had been watching Top Class at home, and found they could answer most of the questions.

Hundreds of primary schools across the UK apply, but only sixteen make it onto the show. Prospective teams undertake written tests, a Skype interview with the producers, and then wait patiently to see if they’re selected.

Once accepted, the St John’s team and their parents/carers were flown to Glasgow for filming.

Alex said: “It was a bit hit-and-miss. Our plane was delayed, and we weren’t sure if we would get there on time. Once we arrived, we were prepped for filming the first round. It was incredibly exciting, but also nerve-wracking at the same time.”

It didn’t take long for the team to discover that what one watches on television from the comfort of home isn’t as easy as it seems.

Everyone, including Lauren, was ever so nervous.

Carys said: “It was quite terrifying when buzzers were accidentally pressed, or answers you thought you knew disappeared from your mind. But it was also fun and a highlight of my year.”

The trip to Glasgow wasn’t all work. Eleven year-old Izzy, who is thinking of a career in television, found the behind-the-scenes aspect of preparing a show fascinating. John and Alex got their money’s worth out of the interactive Glasgow Science Museum, and the whole team found the shopping and eating in Glasgow very enjoyable. But how did they do? Tune in on Sunday night to find out!

The St John’s team will appear in Series Three of Top Class on Sunday, 24th September on CBBC at 7.10 p.m.