A group of Oxford High School pupils will be skipping lessons to go to Scotland for the G8 summit to tell world leaders how the world should be changed for the better.

The eight teenagers took part in the J8 Global Citizen programme which offers the chance to tell the G8 leaders what needs be done about some of the burning issues facing the world.

They will be among eight British schools and representatives of other countries taking part in the J8 Summit in Edinburgh from July 3 to 6.

They will take part in a two-day forum to discuss and debate world issues and develop a joint communiqu to present to politicians.

A final version will be handed to the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and there are plans to take the young people's findings to Prime Minister Tony Blair at Gleneagles.

Year 10 student Lucy McGregor, one of the team members going to Scotland, said: "I've found that the J8 has given me the opportunity to discover a lot more about Africa, with all its problems but also its beauty, courage and strength.

"It's been really good to get a deeper look at all these issues and it's also been really fun.

"I've had lots of laughs and we've learned a lot about teamwork and cooperation -- a handy skill in politics."

The girls will be accompanied to Scotland by the head of citizenship at the school, Mari Girling.

She said: "We did the project because we wanted to broaden our knowledge, but it is very exciting to win and have this terrific opportunity.

"All sixteen girls involved worked hard and learned a lot, and the eight who are going to Edinburgh are really looking forward to it."

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis, who will meet the J8 delegates in July, said: "I am delighted for the pupils of Oxford High School that will be attending J8 Edinburgh 2005 and I look forward to meeting them.

"Entries to the competition were exceptional and I would like to congratulate the pupils.

"I am encouraged that young people have demonstrated through this competition just how passionate they are about global issues.

"This is an excellent opportunity for these young people to make a difference and to tell the G8 leaders what they think is the best way of changing the world their own generation is to inherit."