Winners from the previous heats went head-to-head across 6 courts over the course of the day, including Calthorpe Park School, Chislehurst School For Girls, Dame Alice Owen’s School, All Saints Catholic School, Goldington Academy, The Nobel School, Aylesbury High School, Hazelwick School, Lampton Academy, St Michaels’s Catholic College, Glenthorne High School, Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College and Belfast Royal Academy, who came all the way from Northern Ireland to be involved.

Ultimately, it was Colchester County High School for Girls who left Croydon as the regional champions, impressing our esteemed judges with well-reasoned, articulate arguments and impressive teamwork. King’s Counsel barristers Kirsty Brimelow and Andrew Walker were on hand to present the award.

The event was the culmination of weeks of regional finals and heats taking place in the North, South and South-West of England, London and the East & West Midlands. 42 magistrates and local organisers worked with teams of local volunteers across 37 regional heats and 6 finals, engaging over 3,000 students and 200 teachers. This year’s competition would not have been possible without their tireless efforts. Young Citizens would like to say a heartfelt thanks to them as well as extend huge congratulations and thanks to the winning and participating teams.

A valuable legal education

More than a question of who wins and loses, the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trials Competition provides young people aged 12-14 with the chance to have an up-close look at the way the law functions in their local communities. In preparing to argue their cases, they gain valuable knowledge and skills, regardless of whether they pursue a career in law.

“It has allowed me to improve my organisation, public speaking and confidence”, said one Colchester County High student. “I have learnt so much about the legal system and as an aspiring barrister this has been an incredibly valuable experience.” 

Rajkiran Arhestey, a barrister and one of the competition judge’s, remarked in an interview with Young Citizens on how doing the Mock Trials competition as a child helped shape her career today:  

“I think that it’s important to introduce young people to the legal system. An essential part of education. It’s part of the world that we live in, so they should understand it and be able to navigate it as best as they can. I also think that it’s really important as a way of opening up and demystifying this kind of world if people want to go into it as a profession.” 

Sarah Sackman: “Events like this bring the justice system to life” 

The Minister for State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, provided a statement to Young Citizens, praising the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trials and providing a reminder of the importance of the role which volunteer magistrates play.

“It’s great to hear this year’s Mock Trial Competition has been such a success, with talented young people stepping up, arguing their cases and experiencing the law in action,” she said. “Events like this bring the justice system to life in a way that’s exciting, real and memorable.” 

“Magistrates, ordinary people from all walks of life, already give up their time to volunteer in our courts, so it’s brilliant that so many also helped to make this competition possible and inspire the next generation. I encourage anyone with a curiosity about the law, or a desire to give back, to consider becoming a magistrate and help their local community.” 

Certainly, without volunteers the Mock Trials Competition would not be possible, and the same applies to our justice system at large. For more information on how to become a magistrate, visit this website.

Secondary schools – apply now for the Bar Mock Trials Competition 2026/7 
More on the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trials Competition

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You’ll coordinate engaging, high-quality experiences for schools, working closely with teachers, volunteers and partners to ensure programmes run smoothly and meet our participation and impact targets. Alongside delivery, you’ll contribute to growing reach, improving programme content and strengthening our overall impact.

Young Citizens works at the intersection of education, democracy and civic life, helping young people become active participants in their communities. If you’re excited about making a tangible impact through high-quality programme delivery, and want to contribute to a mission driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

See Job Pack and apply via Charity Job

Deadline: 11pm on Sunday 14 June 2026

Who we’re looking for

You will join a small, dedicated team of delivery staff, making this well suited to someone who is ready to take ownership of their key areas while also contributing to shared priorities across the Young Citizens team.

You may have experience in programme delivery, education, events, or a similar role, and be ready to take ownership of a diverse and active portfolio. This role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities across different timelines. You’ll be part of a small, collaborative team working in a fast-paced environment where strong processes and relationship-building are key to success.

Why join us

• Deliver an impactful mission with a passionate team. Young Citizens offers the opportunity to join a passionate, supportive and ambitious team dedicated to strengthening democracy by equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to participate actively in society. Our culture is collaborative, welcoming and impact-focused, and your work will make a tangible difference to children and young people across the UK by helping to deliver programmes that build critical thinking, civic understanding and the confidence to make a positive contribution to their communities.
• A results-driven culture with flexibility and strong benefits. We are building an agile, hybrid organisation with a flexible approach to how we work. Our benefits include 28+ days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays), volunteering days, office closure over the Christmas holidays, full pension contributions on the first 8%, and enhanced leave packages.
• A chance to grow and develop. As we enter a new three-year development phase, we’re seeking individuals who thrive in a high-performing, adaptable environment and are motivated to grow alongside the organisation as it scales.
• A chance to leave your mark. We empower our people to be contributors, decision-makers, and designers of our work. We’re looking for proactive professionals who are eager to shape their area of the charity and play a meaningful role in our future direction.

If you’re excited about making a tangible impact through high‑quality programme delivery, and want to contribute to a mission‑driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Key details

• Salary: £28,860 per annum
• Contract: Full time and Permanent
• Location: Central London (Hybrid)
• Start date: ASAP

Deadline: 11pm on Sunday 14 June 2026

The post We’re Hiring: Programmes Co-ordinator appeared first on Young Citizens.

The Big Legal Lesson, backed by The Law Society of England and Wales and international law firm Mishcon de Reya, is an annual campaign providing primary, secondary and sixth-form educators with free resources to help them introduce legal concepts in the classroom.

Designed for ages 5 to 18, the resource packs use everyday activities such as eating breakfast cereal and driving to school to help learners understand what the law is, how it affects them and who has the power to change it.

Pupils will learn about the role of the police, judges, lawyers and politicians in the legal justice system, and how citizens can influence decision-making through democratic participation.

We are also calling on volunteers from the legal sector, including legal professionals and law students, to share their knowledge of the law in local schools by 1st May 2026.

From 23 to 27 February 2026, thousands of pupils across England and Wales are expected to take part in The Big Legal Lesson. Since 2020, the annual campaign has reached over 375,000 children and young people from Key Stage 1 to sixth form.

Last year, 92% of participating teachers said their learners better understood the rule of law and how it affects their lives, whilst more than 8 in 10 children and young people aged 5 to 18 said they think it is important to learn about the law during school.¹ (Young Citizens, 2025)

Changes to teaching about the rule of law

The campaign comes following the Government’s announcement that Citizenship, including teaching about law and rights, will be a compulsory subject in primary education from 2028 as part of a revitalised curriculum. Previously, citizenship education had only been compulsory from Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) onwards.

Published in November 2025, the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended measures to “ensure that pupils develop an understanding of rules and laws, why they are important, who makes them and the consequences of not following them”.

The review also recommended that the new Citizenship curriculum should introduce concepts such as fairness, equity, and rights and responsibilities.

Strengthening democracy through legal education

Ashley Hodges, CEO of Young Citizens, said: “Every school wants to prepare their young people as citizens, and understanding the law and our legal institutions is key to that. But without expert materials and relevant, exciting content, that can be a hard ask. When pupils learn how the law works and how it shapes their lives, they gain the confidence to ask questions, make informed decisions, and participate meaningfully in society. Our campaign hopes to strengthen the foundations of democratic life by empowering our youngest citizens to understand how our society is run and who is involved, so they know their stake and can influence it.”

Mark Evans, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “Encouraging young learners to understand how the law works and affects everyday life, gives them the confidence to make informed decisions as future citizens. The Law Society has supported the Big Legal Lesson since its inception. We are proud to see that it continues to inspire young people, teachers and legal professionals in a practical and meaningful way. Young people must learn their rights and responsibilities and feel empowered to engage with the law throughout their lives.”

Verity Taylor, Senior Pro Bono Manager at campaign sponsors Mishcon de Reya said: “Legal literacy is foundational to a thriving democratic society, which is why we’re incredibly proud to support The Big Legal Lesson again in 2026. At Mishcon de Reya, we believe that understanding the law should be empowering, not intimidating. This initiative opens the door for young people to build confidence, curiosity and critical thinking skills that will stay with them for life.”

• Schools can pledge to deliver The Big Legal Lesson here.
• Legal professionals and law students can register to volunteer here.

For further information about The Big Legal Lesson or further comment on the importance of legal education in our schools or the new curriculum, please contact us.

¹ Figures taken from a Young Citizens survey (2025) of 26 teachers and 119 children and young people aged 5 to 18 after taking part in The Big Legal Lesson 2025.

The post Young Citizens calls on schools and lawyers to join The Big Legal Lesson ahead of curriculum changes appeared first on Young Citizens.

The Big Democracy Lesson is calling on teachers to deliver at least one lesson on democracy this year, with secondary school resources available this term and a primary–age suite launching in March 2026.

The campaign kicked off with an evening featuring former Downing Street advisor and strategist turned author and podcaster Alastair Campbell in conversation with young people.

They discussed their views on the state of democracy, the support they need to participate and how we rebuild optimism for their generation in a fractured information and political landscape.

Alastair Campbell hosts the panel discussion at the International Dispute Resolution Centre

Campbell said: “We need to ask ourselves why many young people are distrustful of or disengaging from institutional democracy, often favouring the false promises of autocratic strongmen. Populism, polarisation and post-truth are driving this change.

“We need to engage young people with democratic values early, in classrooms, not just at election time. Civic literacy, oracy and critical thinking must be core to our curriculum. It’s not just about preparing them to vote. It’s about schools being a catalyst for social action.”

“We can’t allow the onslaught of misinformation and culture wars to knock young people off track. I can’t wait to see the positive effects of The Big Democracy Lesson across the UK.”

Watch Alastair Campbell’s message for young people on why politics matters and how civic education supports our democracy. 

The Attorney General, Lord Hermer KC, also spoke at the event in support of citizenship education and the introduction of votes at 16.

Speaking directly to the young people at the event, Hermer said: “It’s really important that politicians take account of your priorities. The decisions that we make now on issues such as climate change and AI will be profoundly important for the world you will grow into. That is why it’s really positive that you are empowered by having the vote.”

“We need to engage with people about democracy, rights and the rule of law. It’s an absolutely essential conversation for us to be having.”

Attorney General, Lord Hermer KC, addresses the young people in the audience

What did the young people think?

The panel consisted of young people aged 16 to 19, including Tajus from Harris Academy Wimbledon, Shad and Lydia from Sirius Academy Hull, and Iman Mansoor, a squad leader at the youth empowerment organisation My Life My Say.

“I think that [democratic education] is overlooked,” Lydia said. “I am told that we had a Citizenship lesson in year 10, but I cannot remember having it, and I think that speaks volumes. Politics is touched upon, but then discarded. Schools focus more on teaching English and Maths because that is what they are judged upon.”

“I think it’s very important that young people engage politically as they are our future decision makers. By engaging [young people] now, they can help shape policies and it enables our voices to get heard.”

Iman Mansoor, My Life My Say

The young people were divided on their support of lowering the voting age, with those against citing a lack of critical thinking skills and media literacy education amongst 16- and 17-year-olds.

Tajus expressed concern that “16-year-old minds can be very easily altered, especially through social media. Instagram and TikTok create social bubbles, which lead to radicalisation and influence by other people’s opinions. Your choices need to be based on your opinions and not the opinions of others.”

“Speaking for many people, I can say that we get most of our information from social media, but it can be misleading. I believe that we should be educated more about these things, but currently we are not.”

Shad, Sirius Academy Hull

“The Big Democracy Lesson is a great opportunity for young people to speak with their peers and teachers in classrooms.” Iman said. “These political discussions mean that many of the effects of radicalisation won’t happen.”

When asked about the biggest issues that matter to them, the panellists mentioned honesty from politicians, loss of unity in society, the cost of living and climate change.

[Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, where we will be publishing more interviews with young people alongside updates on all our campaigns, resources and programmes].

Students ask questions of the panel during the Q&A session

Why now?

The launch comes as major changes to democratic participation take shape. Following the Government’s Curriculum & Assessment Review, Citizenship will become statutory for primary schools (ages 5 to 11) in 2028, in line with current secondary school guidance. 

Alongside this, Votes at 16 will apply at the next General Election, meaning many pupils currently in Year 6 will vote for the first time – yet most have had no formal preparation for democratic participation. Teachers are signalling the need for support, with growing demand for resources that help their students discuss political issues safely, confidently and without polarisation.

Recent studies have also shown that young people are sceptical about our current political system. The IP-PAD Youth Survey (2024) found that 49% of 16-21-year-olds are dissatisfied with how democracy works in the UK, with younger people aged 16 to 18 the most dissatisfied. In a survey by Channel 4, 52% of Gen Z said they would prefer “strong leaders who don’t need to be elected”, while one-third (33%) believed “the UK would be a be a better place if the army was in charge”.

However, a recent study of 16-year-olds by DEMOS painted a brighter picture, with 72.8% of young people agreeing that “we must defend democracy at all costs because it is the best way of running society”.

Despite their distrust in politics, most young people still believe in democratic values. But without early teaching and practice, young people risk entering adult life without the civic confidence, critical literacy or trust needed to participate meaningfully.

The Big Democracy Lesson addresses this gap by providing ready-to-use lessons, assemblies and discussion activities that introduce the building blocks of democratic participation. It offers a practical, trusted starting point for teachers to build civic confidence consistently across year groups, establishing the foundations for meaningful participation long before a young person enters a polling booth.

The new annual programme builds on the success of The Big Legal Lesson, taking place each February, which has reached over half a million young people since launching in 2019, with 94% of teachers reporting increased confidence teaching the rule of law.

Penelope, a My Life My Say squad leader, interviews Alastair Campbell

The need or civic skills development

Ashley Hodges, Chief Executive of Young Citizens, said: “Votes at 16 is a milestone, but a vote only matters if young people feel confident using it and creates a life-long sense of a say and stake in society.

“Democratic participation doesn’t begin at the ballot box; it begins years earlier, with understanding power, practising debate, learning to disagree well, and knowing how to find reliable information in a world of misinformation.”

Ashley Hodges, Chief Executive, Young Citizens

“Right now, too many young people are being asked to step into democracy without the preparation they deserve. The Big Democracy Lesson is about building that foundation for every young person, not just those already engaged or politically switched on. If we want a generation who trusts institutions, feels they have a stake in society, and knows how to shape change – this is where it starts: before the ballot box, in every classroom.”

Our new president Lord Knight of Weymouth closed out the launch event, lending his support to our mission to see that all young people have access to inspiring, quality and skills-focused democratic learning before they leave school.

“Democracy is all about people power, but many young people still feel powerless”, Lord Knight said. “It’s our job as educators and policy makers to give them a voice, break down barriers to engagement and show them how to be active citizens.

“We need to deliver civic skills development from primary school and onwards.”

Lord Knight of Wymouth, President, Young Citizens

“Coupled with the right enrichment opportunities, I believe this can break the spell of youth disenchantment and distrust in our political system. It will also demonstrate the value of community spirit and social action, with schools acting as hubs for local citizenship.

“The Government’s recent commitment to mandatory Citizenship education in primary schools is a great start, but teachers will need extra support to make it a success. That’s why organisations like Young Citizens and their campaign The Big Democracy Lesson are so important.”

Lord Jim Knight of Weymouth made a closing speech calling for more civic skills education

Join the campaign

Now is the time to give young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active citizens – both before and beyond the ballot box. We’re inviting secondary schools to deliver at least one lesson on democracy this year. Sign up for the free resources.

About Young Citizens

Founded in 1989 by Lord Phillips OBE, Young Citizens helps state schools deliver active citizenship education so young people are equipped with critical knowledge and skills on our democracy, law, media and the economy to participate in their communities and society. Each year, the charity reaches over 300,000 young people across thousands of UK schools through its lessons, training and immersive experiences including Mock Trials, youth-led social action Make a Difference Challenge and The Big Legal Lesson.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to our campaign supporters RELX/RX and Fieldfisher, and the International Dispute Resolution Centre for hosting the event.

The post Young people join panel with Alastair Campbell at launch of The Big Democracy Lesson appeared first on Young Citizens.

Dr Becky Francis’ Curriculum & Assessment Review is out today (5th November 2025), seeing Citizenship education take centre stage in what is the most significant shake-up in state guidance for educators in over a decade. 

This review finally puts Citizenship education where it belongs, at the heart of developing young people and their skills, starting early.

It builds on what we’ve always known here at Young Citizens: citizenship is more than a subject, it’s a set of competencies to prepare young people to thrive in the wider world.

I have spent my career seeing what it looks like up close, when civic education is used to help young people navigate the world around them. The pattern is the same: when young people apply their citizenship, it sticks. A Year 4 class testing out what “fair” means. Year 10s on their feet in a Mock Trial. A group of teenagers debating an online safety law with someone who helped write the real thing. They argue a case, challenge a claim, make a budget decision – not just read about it.

For nearly 40 years, our charity has been helping teachers make that real  – from lessons and assemblies that fit the school day, to immersive programmes that link young people to actual institutions and experts on civic themes.

From law and rights to financial and media literacy, this is about preparing every young person for life in modern Britain and the world. And with Votes at 16 coming into effect, this has never been more urgent. The Year 6s in our classrooms today will be able to vote in the next General Election.

Citizenship education isn’t preparation for “someday”, it’s preparation for now, so they feel confident in how to take part, speak up, and understand the decisions shaping their lives.

Meaningful updates to the Curriculum

Importantly, the Review delivers on key recommendations Young Citizens put forward, including through our work with the Youth Shadow Panel. It’s a real win for youth voice.

This emphasis on law, rights and the justice system is particularly meaningful. For decades, Young Citizens has been the UK’s leading provider of public legal education, helping young people understand how the justice system works and their place in it. As educators, we need to respond to the rise of AI, misinformation and ever-shifting modes of communication. It is the only way we can ultimately tackle global crises such as the climate emergency, as well as local issues such as the loss of community belonging.

Our top highlights:

• Citizenship becomes statutory from Key Stage 1 onwards. The Government has accepted this, and implementation will begin from 2028.
  
• The statutory primary school Citizenship curriculum will prioritise the fundamentals including:
  • Democracy and government, including readiness for Votes at 16
  • Law and rights – an exciting new programme of study on fairness, equity and responsibilities that Young Citizens already helps deliver through campaigns such as The Big Legal Lesson
  • Media literacy and financial literacy
  • Climate and sustainability education – no longer limited to science & geography
    
• Skills and real-world relevance for young people will be emphasised, to ensure oracy, critical thinking, media literacy and wider aptitudes that underpin democratic learning like disagreeing respectfully and fairness are embedded.
• Secondary content will be clarified to help guide teachers on meeting the existing KS3 and 4 Citizenship curriculum, not expanded, to ensure smooth progression from primary and to address contemporary challenges such as media misinformation, equity and countering hate.

This will complement the changes to Ebacc and exams, as well as the wider call for a rich curriculum that reflects the students it aims to prepare.

What needs to happen next

Whether it’s our resources and teacher guides or our programmes, we are already delivering on the above for state schools, but we are linking up and refining our support to see that all schools can benefit.

My take on what we must do in the sector to deliver on the Curriculum Review opportunities and ensure a strong start for every young person:

• Learn from NCS. Active citizenship should be a rite of passage, link to the real world and shared. But when civic learning and enrichment sits outside the school day, the students who most need it are the least likely to access it. Share how we can embed it in the timetable or it won’t be equitable.
• Civic experiences as a rite of passage at school. Skills building comes from application and connection to community. Active citizenship should be the standard of how the curriculum can be delivered whilst building empathy, belonging, social capital and celebrating diversity.
• Teachers thrive with clarity. Most schools don’t have specialist citizenship teachers and many worry discussions could feel ‘political’. Guidance being explicit also means seeing that teachers can access the expert content – which is where providers like ourselves can help– so teachers can do what they do best, engaging and tailoring to their young people.
• And finally: DfE, pull the right strings. The providers exist; make sure we’re in the room. There are expert-informed, classroom-ready materials out there, like ours, adaptable, relevant and rooted in real life. We need to collaborate, with funding that amplifies to improve support not reinvent the wheel for the sector.

This is how we see civic skills and literacies where they belong: at the heart of all classrooms, not just for the lucky few.  But teachers shouldn’t be left to translate policy alone.

And because 2028 is too late, we’ve already started.

Our work: supporting schools now

The review may not be fully brought in until 2028, but we know teachers, schools and their students want this now. We are already:

• Launching our Primary Civic Leads programme and regional cohorts
• Hosting a webinar to break down what this Review means in practice
  Keeping our Citizenship Resource Library free for all state schools and colleges
• Continuing to deliver immersive secondary programmes, including national Mock Trials

What you can do

But we are changing our approach: we are working in-depth with our school partners across the UK, and in underserved areas, to see that schools are accessing a full mix of our resources and programmes, and partners. This allows a fuller offer – so you’re citizenship confident and delivering beyond the basics – that fits your students’ and local area needs when it comes to great citizenship education in your school or college.

• Register your interest for Primary School Civic Lead training and Regional Cohorts.
• Sign up for our webinar on Tuesday 25th November explaining what it means for schools.
• Subscribe to access our free library of Citizenship lessons and assemblies by signing up here.

This is a real opportunity to make Citizenship a third pillar of a great education system, alongside academic learning and employability, helping young people thrive in their communities and helping the UK thrive as a whole. Let’s use it.

Ashley Hodges

CEO, Young Citizens

Thanks to our partners at the Youth Shadow Panel Review and their recommendations – find out more about what young people submitted to the review here.

The post A win for Citizenship: Our CEO’s response to the Government’s Curriculum & Assessment Review appeared first on Young Citizens.

He succeeds the former Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza, who steps down as president of the charity after four years in post.

About our new President

Lord Knight was the Labour MP for South Dorset from 1997 to 2010, serving as a minister in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet from 2009 until 2010 when he was appointed to the House of Lords.

He regularly speaks on education and technology policy and is a member of the Communications and Digital Committee in the Lords. He is a long-time campaigner for citizenship education and youth political and media literacy, sponsoring a Private Members’ Bill calling for sustainable citizenship to be embedded into the national curriculum in 2022. 

Knight currently serves as non-executive chair for E-ACT Multi Academy Trust, the Council of British International Schools, Century-Tech and STEM Learning Ltd. He also sits on the Pearson Qualifications Committee and provides advice to Nord Anglia Education, the Brookings Institute, GoodNotes, Edwin Group and Everfi.

“The time for change is now”

Reflecting on his appointment, Lord Knight said: “Our institutions and education sector have the opportunity of a generation to boost youth civic engagement. With misinformation and polarisation on the rise in an increasingly complex social climate, young people’s understanding of our democracy, including politics, economics and the media, is necessary to ensure they can both contribute to and thrive in society today.

“Young Citizens is well-poised to bring about this change with nearly 40 years’ experience providing engaging content and immersive learning programmes for state schools, where active citizenship should be a rite of passage and part of the fabric of a modern British education.”

“I have admired the charity’s work since my time in government when they were paving the way for the curriculum, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together. With the imminent arrival of Votes at 16, and the Youth Shadow Curriculum and Assessment Review calling for life-relevant skills and robust citizenship in schools, the time for change is now.” 

The appointment comes as new polling by More in Common shows that 46% of 16 to 17- year-olds do not feel informed about politics, while a study by the John Smith Foundation found that 42% believe politicians do not listen to young people. 

A word from our Chief Executive

Young Citizens chief executive Ashley Hodges said: “We are delighted that Lord Knight is joining us as our new honorary president. He brings decades of experience in educational policy and a passion for our mission to see all young people are developed as active citizens, as an equally important measure and weight to academic and employability provision. He has campaigned tirelessly for the promotion of life skills in schools and modernising education, so we know he will be a fantastic ambassador of our work. 

“At Young Citizens, we want to position children and young people as actors and leaders in their communities, instead of simply being inheritors of the world today. Too many young people and schools are under-supported in engaging with the complex societal issues of today. We need to ensure that developing our young people as citizens is as important as developing them academically. Lord Knight understands the urgency of this mission.

“On behalf of everyone at Young Citizens, I would like to thank Baroness D’Souza for her commitment to the charity and its young beneficiaries. She has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for our organisation. We are so grateful to her for championing our work.” 

Find out more about our teaching resources, immersive programmes and how you can support our work.

The post Lord Knight appointed as Honorary President of Young Citizens appeared first on Young Citizens.

The inquiry sought to understand the state of the rule of law in the UK, exploring how the principle works in practice across Parliament, the judiciary and the executive. In particular, the committee wanted to consider the role of education, the media and civic society in creating and maintaining a culture that values the rule of law.

The inquiry comes after the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, recently stated that the rule of law was under attack whilst calling for more robust citizenship education.

Speaking alongside Daniel Scrase of BPP’s Social Impact Team, Hodges said: “Young Citizens has a long-standing commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in democratic society. Our lessons and resources ensure that principles underpinning the rule of law are not only understood in theory, but also in practice.”

“Young people are not getting the basics of the justice system, the constitution and how it works. Those who do receive legal education don’t think it is relevant to their real life. There is a lack of awareness of how robust and purposeful our legal system is, and that is undermining the rule of law.”

“But I don’t want to focus on negatives of public legal education. I hope this committee can consider some of the powerful ways it can help us strengthen the rule of law, especially starting young.”

“When public legal education is done well, it is effective. Nearly three-in-four of our programme participants said they had a better understanding of the law and how it applies to their lives, and almost two-thirds said their trust in the legal system improved after taking part in our programmes. This is why legal education can’t be the preserve of those lucky enough to go to a school that covers it.”

Hodges shared three key education policy recommendations to bolster a culture of the rule of law:

• Make citizenship education statutory at primary level and strengthen it across all phases.
• Harness the curriculum and assessment review, providing clearer guidance and accountability for schools on citizenship education.
• Invest in teacher training and resources to build legal literacy provision in schools.

You can read the transcript and watch a recording of the evidence session here.

Read our summary post on LinkedIn, and give our page a follow!

The post CEO Ashley Hodges gives evidence on citizenship education to House of Lords rule of law inquiry appeared first on Young Citizens.

I am experienced in helping young children in school such as being an anti-bullying ambassador and a senior prefect teaching me leadership and how to support younger students. I am proud to be an advocate for inclusivity and accessibility for all students in education and hope to make a beneficial change for all.

That’s why I wanted to become a Youth Shadow Panellist. The panel was set up in response to the Government’s curriculum and assessment review, because it did not ask what young people thought about their own education.

From December 2024 to January 2025, over 550 young people across England shared their views on what they like, dislike, and want to improve about their education. This feedback has been turned into a report to help shape the future of learning, ultimately helping thousands of other children and young people in education!

Education shapes our future—but young people rarely get a say in how it works. This project gave us a voice to highlight issues and push for changes that truly reflect our needs.

As a young person, I’ve felt the stress of exams and wished for lessons that felt more connected to real life. Hearing these stories reminded me that I’m not alone in wanting an education system that works better for everyone.

Here’s what we discovered.

Key findings

1. Learning isn’t relevant to real life. Students feel unprepared for adulthood, with little focus on practical life skills like cooking and managing money.
2. Lessons need to be more interactive. Many struggle to engage with lessons that feel passive or outdated. Hands-on, practical learning is preferred.
3. Not enough focus on the future. Topics like sustainability, climate change, and nature need more attention to prepare students for real-world challenges.
4. Lack of diversity and inclusivity. The curriculum often overlooks non-Western perspectives and doesn’t do enough to support disabled students.
5. Excessive exam pressure. High-stakes testing causes overwhelming stress, with many students reporting anxiety and burnout.

Recommendations

• Teach life skills like finances and cooking.
• Make learning interactive with practical activities.
• Focus on the future with lessons on climate change and sustainability.
• Promote diversity by updating the curriculum and improving inclusivity.
• Reduce exam stress by rethinking assessments.

What’s Next?

Throughout March, we hosted events in Dudley, London, Bristol and online to discuss these themes and share ideas. The final report will be published in summer 2025, featuring even more concrete recommendations for change.

What do you think about your education? Together, we can create a system that inspires, prepares, and supports us all.

To read the full report and learn more about the Youth Shadow Panel’s work, visit shadowpanel.uk 

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Speaking at the final of the Bar Mock Trial Competition at the Royal Courts of Justice this weekend, Lord Hermer told state school students to “come and be brilliant lawyers” because “the country needs you”.

“Many of you want to pursue careers in law, and I think that’s a wonderful thing to do”, he said. “I was state educated, and the first person in my immediate family to graduate from university, and I want you to know that law is a career for you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Attorney General meets students at the Royal Courts of Justice. Photo credit: Sabrina Fearon-Melville

The value of the rule of law

The Government’s chief legal adviser also used the speech to raise his ongoing concerns about respect for the rule of law. He said that many of its key tenets were “under attack”, including the independence of the judiciary, the idea that the law should protect human rights and, in a reference to online misinformation, “the value in working out what is objectively true or not true.”

Addressing students at the end of the competition, he said: “By taking part in this mock trial competition, you have committed to a process of the rule of law, and I would like to thank you for that. To see so many engaged young citizens here has given me a huge sense of optimism.”

The comments come after a study by the Legal Services Board found that two-fifths (38%) of adults in England and Wales have a low level of legal confidence.

Students from Campbell College, Belfast meet Dr. Sally Penni MBE. Photo credit: Sabrina Fearon-Melville / Young Citizens

‘You don’t get this sort of opportunity every day’

Founded in 1991 by Young Citizens, and supported by the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Bar Mock Trial Competition is a legal education programme in which state school pupils compete in mock criminal trials, taking on roles such as barristers, witnesses, defendants and jurors.

214 schools and over 3,000 students took part in the competition in 2025, with The Boswells School from Chelmsford, Essex named the overall winners, followed by The Campbell College, Belfast and Runshaw College, Leyland in second and third place respectively.

It marks The Boswell School’s first victory in the competition, having competed every year since 1996 without taking the top prize.

Gabriella, 18, a student at the school, said: “The competition has allowed me to gain so many skills that will be useful later in life. Being able to present a case in a real courtroom at the Royal Courts of Justice has confirmed that I want to be a barrister.”

Lily, 17, also from The Boswells School, said: “It has given me a lot of confidence, because you have to do a lot of public speaking in front of real judges and other schools. You don’t get this sort of opportunity every day. It was really fun.”

Catherine Hale, Head of Law, said: “It means the world to us to finally win the title. I have a personal tie with the competition, having been to the National Finals in Cardiff as a student of the school in 2014. To be back with such a fantastic group of budding barristers and solicitors was amazing. It is a fantastic initiative that will shape their future. I’d like to give a special thanks to my former law teacher, Ann Flanigan,  who was at the finals with us as a volunteer, continuing to support our involvement.”

Lady Justice Thirlwall addressing finalists at the end of the day. Photo credit: Sabrina Fearon-Melville / Young Citizens

Special guests

Also attending the event were Lady Justice Thirlwall, who is overseeing the inquiry into the Lucy Letby case, former Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza and chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC.

Barbara Mills KC said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet barristers, visit courtrooms and get a unique insight into the justice system. Whether or not they want to pursue a career in law, we know the competition gives them skills, knowledge and confidence that will last a lifetime.”

Ashley Hodges, Chief Executive at Young Citizens, said: “To achieve a thriving democracy of active citizens, young people need to know how our legal justice system works and why it matters. We are proud to give thousands of students an immersive way to understand their rights and our systems integral to the rule of law each year. This is fundamental to a fair society in which all can play their part.”

Pictured (left to right): Justice Matthew Nicklin, Dr Sally Penni MBE, Judge Avik Mukherjee, Judge David Aubrey, Judge Louise Brandon, Judge Christopher Kinch.

Full list of prize winners

Winner: The Boswells School

Second Place: Campbell College

Third Place: Runshaw College

Highest Scoring Court Usher: The Becket School

Highest Scoring Court Clerk: Wymondham College

Highest performing new team: Greenshaw High School

R v Speed case

Highest Scoring Prosecution Barristers: The Becket School

Highest Scoring Defence Barristers: The Excelsior Academy

Highest Scoring Witness: Prosecution Witness 2, The Excelsior Academy

R v Hinton case

Highest Scoring Prosecution Barristers: Cheadle Hulme High School

Highest Scoring Defence Barristers: Chingford Foundation School

Highest Scoring Witness: Defendant from Campbell College

You can out more about the programme here. Applications for the 2025-2026 competition in spring 2025.

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