Baroness Knight visited CBA as part of the Peers in Schools programme. She held a question and answer session with 50 students, including members of the Academy's Senate and Gifted and Talented students. They quizzed her on issues including compensation for the victims of the IRA bombings.

Student Jack Blakey said: "It was great to have the opportunity to meet Baroness Knight and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to question her. It was a brilliant afternoon and I'm very glad that I took part."

Assistant Vice Principal Kirsty Farrar said: "Having a visit like this, especially from a female, is inspirational for students because it shows them they can reach for the top in their chosen profession.

"Having a decision-maker come to the Academy helps to show them that they can achieve whatever they want.

"We aim to get in a range of people from society so students can learn from them and give them the aspiration to go and do whatever they want."