Mock Trial Experience Brings Real‑World Advocacy to Creative Education Trust Students
Students across Creative Education Trust were given an unforgettable insight into the world of criminal law as they took part in our first trust‑wide mock trial experience, delivered in partnership with The Kalisher Trust. Held at Wrenn School and Bulwell Academy, the two events immersed Year 10 students in a fully simulated courtroom environment, complete with evidence bundles, defence strategies and practising barristers by their side.
For several years, Creative Education Trust has worked with The Kalisher Trust to deliver public speaking opportunities for sixth formers. This year, the partnership expanded to include a hands‑on mock trial experience aimed at broadening access, raising ambition, and developing the Personal Development skills at the heart of our curriculum.
“Today has shown them what they are capable of.”
“We wanted to give our young people something deeper than a competition,” said Laura O’Shaughnessy, Head of Personal Development.
“This experience allowed them to sit alongside practising barristers, ask honest questions about the profession, and realise that these pathways are open to them too.”
Learning Through Advocacy
During the day, students worked collaboratively to dissect a real case file, build arguments, challenge opposing submissions and present before a legal panel. The skills developed mirrored those nurtured through the trust’s Personal Development framework:
- Oracy & Communication – crafting and delivering persuasive arguments
- Critical Thinking & Analysis – scrutinising evidence, identifying key points
- Character & Confidence – speaking publicly and responding to challenge
- Pathways & Ambition – meeting legal professionals and understanding routes into the criminal bar
Students quickly found their voices. Those who began the day hesitant were soon articulating complex positions with clarity and conviction.
“It’s been fascinating seeing them come out of their shells,” John Dunston from The Kalisher Trust observed.
“They’ve argued opposing points of view, listened deeply, and shown the resilience and teamwork that underpin great advocacy.”
Opportunity Made Visible
A standout moment came at Bulwell Academy, where students were joined by Jessica, a former Bulwell student who is now a pupil barrister and returned to support the trial.
“Seeing someone who walked the same corridors now working in law has been incredibly powerful,” Laura said.
“It made ambition real: students saw that this pathway is genuinely open to them.”
For many, the experience was transformative. One student shared:
“I really enjoyed dissecting a case piece by piece. Speaking to the barristers helped me understand their journey—I want to work in law, so this meant a lot.”
Another wrote afterwards:
“Thank you for the great experience. I’ve taken so much away from it.”
A Partnership With Purpose
The Kalisher Trust, whose mission is to improve diversity, social mobility and access to the criminal bar, has found strong alignment with Creative Education Trust’s ethos.
“CET has such a broad, exciting vision,” John noted.
“We’re delighted to be building this partnership and look forward to more opportunities for young people.”
For Creative Education Trust, the collaboration strengthens our commitment to raising aspiration and widening access to professional pathways.
“Ambition, opportunity and equity are at the heart of our mission,” Laura said.
“Kalisher embodies these values, and together we’re giving our students experiences that genuinely change what they believe is possible.”
We look forward to continuing this partnership and to the next mock trial.
