STUDENTS at The Petersfield School are preparing for a ballot on staying in, or leaving, the European Union.
The result of the referendum will be announced on Friday.
It comes after a capacity audience in The Studio at the school in Cranford Road heard from both pro and anti EU MPs.
Head teacher Mark Marande introduced the panellists, and the debate last Friday was knowledgably chaired by drama teacher Kit Curtis-Raliegh.
East Hampshire Conservative MP Damian Hinds put the case to stay in the EU.
Advocating the opposing view to the 170 students, teachers, and parents, was New Forest MP Sir Desmond Swayne, also a Conservative.
During the hour-long debate the MPs were asked if leaving the EU would provoke a reaction from Russia – no was the joint answer -- and would leaving put the UK economy at risk.
Mr Swayne said that China and India could potentially be far bigger trading partners than Europe.
Mr Hinds said leaving the single market would adversely affect UK businesses.
There were also queries about why students couldn’t vote.
The MPs heard that if they could drive at 17, enjoy sex legally, wed with consent, and work, at 16, then surely they could vote?
Mr Hinds said: “Don’t get put off politics, you are old enough to join a political party.”
Mr Swayne said: “There is an argument for lowering the voting age.”
Afterward, debate organiser Lisa Baker said: "It was an amazing experience, not only engaging our students in decisions about their future, but allowing them to have a voice.
“They were also encouraged to take an active role in future political decisions.”