Comedian Susan Calman Hosting CBBC’s Top Class

LONDON: CBBC is premiering next month the competition series Top Class, hosted by comedian Susan Calman, to determine the smartest school in the U.K.

The 15×28-minute series sees 16 primary schools compete to be named the smartest school in Britain. Each episode looks on as two teams of students battle each other in a series of rounds featuring questions that cover a range of subjects. At the end of each episode, one school is eliminated from the competition, while the other moves on to the next round.

Each round features questions taken from the National Curriculum Key Stage 2. Additionally, there is a news-focused round and a pet-subject round selected by the team. In a special round, the teams nominate one of their teachers to answer questions about pop culture against the clock. All primary schools across the U.K. were able to enter Top Class with a team of four pupils.

Top Class is produced by ITV Studios. It was commissioned by Cheryl Taylor, controller of CBBC. The executive producer for BBC is Melissa Hardinge, with Simon Marsh serving as executive producer for ITV Studios.

Calman commented: “I had so much fun testing these fabulously talented kids; they constantly amazed me with their determination, competitiveness and all-round cleverness! I learned more from them than they did from me!”

Taylor said, “I’m proud that CBBC is hosting this fantastic opportunity for schools to showcase their intellectual talents. All the competitors did themselves proud and Susan Calman brings her usual comedic genius to this tough tournament.”