Students at Sydney Russell were crowned regional champions last week in mock legal trials at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The team, made up of students in Years 10-12, saw of Schools from across London to make it into the National Finals. The win was all the sweeter as much of the competition were teams of sixth formers in years 12 and 13 only.

“The feedback from the judges was great for our kids who were often up against students much older than them. They have been working so hard and we are extremely proud of this huge achievement,” said Mrs Mangat, Achievement leader for High Achievers.

The gruelling day, which saw the budding legal team present and pass verdict on four cases, began at 7:45am and ended late into the afternoon. The competition, which features real practising judges, aims to provide young people with an insight and understanding of how the legal system works.

“We practised almost every day after school so the win is huge for us, but most importantly, we learned things about the legal system that I just had no idea about,” said Year 12 student Nahid A..

The win means Sydney Russell’s ‘legal team’ will now progress to the National Finals in March next year, which will be held at the Royal Courts of Justice, one of the largest courts in Europe. They will be up against schools from all over the country in the finals, with the added bonus that participants get to wear the judicial gowns and wigs, just like those in the real legal profession.

“I can’t wait to see the students in their outfits at one of the most famous courts in the world. This will be such a great experience for any of them, especially if they are thinking about a career in Law,” said Mrs Mangat.