Y10 Bar Mock Competition - November 2025

On Saturday 22nd November, our resident legal eagles travelled to Southampton Crown Court to do battle in the Bar Mock Trial competition. Made up of a team of mainly Year 10 students, with some having had the experience of the Magistrate Competition last year, they were fired up and buzzing with anticipation.

The competition is such an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about the judicial system. It provides an opportunity for students to participate in a mock trial, providing an experience to remember. Our students gain insight into aspects of a criminal trial, and it all takes place in a real court with real judges. The members of the team play a range of trial-based roles – both prosecution and defence barristers, witnesses, defendant, court clerk, usher and members of the jury. For weeks, the students rehearsed by practising against each other so that on the day they were ready to compete against the opposing counsel as represented by other schools. The team didn’t have long to ensure they were fully prepared for two cases – they had two sets of statements and evidence to learn inside out to ensure they were not caught out once on the stand or carrying out cross examinations.

Every student plays a key part no matter their allocated role and it was great to watch the team support each other throughout the day. As a result of a school dropping out at the last minute, our team also stepped in as a substitute team which involved extra time in court. Whilst they were not marked when playing the substitute team, it meant more performances and more pressure – and our team did a sterling job. The competition is aimed at 14-18 year olds but in reality, most of the teams were comprised of college students, with many already studying law. It is certainly no exaggeration to say the older students from the various colleges and the judges were shocked to learn that the team was made up of mainly Year 10 students – they were incredibly impressed by their skill set and ability. This high standard was reflected in their attainment of second place, and we were absolutely delighted that their hard work was recognised whilst up against such tough competition.

A huge well done to our team members – we could not be prouder!

Grace H, Sienna P, Isabelle M, Athena P, Natalia V, Jessica M, Mia K, Esme O-V, Lauren M, Chloe B, Nicoletta D, Poppy R, Lilea M and Deema S