The Bar Mock Trial Competition is a yearly opportunity for Year 12 students to participate in a National Competition organised by the Citizenship Foundation. The heats happen in the autumn term, and the winning school from each heat progresses to the national final in the spring.

Two criminal cases, specially written for the competition, are studied in detail and students take the part of Barristers, Witnesses, Court Officials and Jury members. After many weeks of practice the drama is played out in real Crown Courts across the country. We usually attend Snaresbrook Crown Court. The competition requires our Prosecution team to compete against the Defence team of another school. This requires students to think on their feet and give pertinent replies to unexpected questions. A degree of acting ability is necessary but the chief characteristic is an ability to speak confidently and with authority, as well as a thorough understanding of the law as it relates to the particular case.

All students find the day enjoyable and challenging. They meet with other students but learn a lot about their own ability to reach heights of competence they never imagined themselves capable of.