Pupils from The Boswells School overcame 214 school teams from across the UK to be named winners of the Bar Mock Trial Competition at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Founded in 1991 by the national education charity 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.
Supported by real judges and barristers, pupils from The Boswells School first won a regional heat before progressing to the national final in London, where they were joined by 23 other school teams.
It marks the school’s first victory in the competition, having competed every year since 1996.
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 shapes their futures.”
Prizes were presented by the Attorney General, Lord Richard Hermer, who called on young people 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 family to go to university, and I want you to know that law is a career for you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“By taking part in this mock trial competition, you have committed to the process of the rule of law, and I would like to thank you for that. To see so many engaged young citizens has given me a huge sense of optimism.”
214 schools and over 3,000 students have taken part in the Bar Mock Trial Competition this year, with thousands more having taken part since it was founded in 1991.
Barbara Mills KC, Chair of The Bar Council of England and Wales, said: “We are delighted to support the Bar Mock Trial Competition again in 2025.
“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 that every year the Mock Trial Competition gives thousands of students an immersive way to understand their rights and our systems integral to the rule of law. This knowledge is fundamental to a fair society in which all can play their part.”
“Young Citizens will continue to work with the Bar, HM Courts and Tribunal Service and volunteers from the profession to boost legal literacy across the UK.”
