Students at Elliott Hudson College are celebrating a major achievement after coming second in the West Yorkshire regional heat of the Young Citizen’s Bar Mock Trial Competition.

The Bar Mock Trial is a national competition for students who aspire to enter the legal field. Elliott Hudson College takes part every year as part of its enrichment programme, giving students the chance to develop vital skills and gain first-hand experience of how a real courtroom operates.

“We were given two cases and placed into two teams of seven,” said Year 12 student Jaipreet Garawal. “A couple of months before the actual trial, we were given our assigned case and team members, and then we spent weeks preparing.”

Preparation involved learning witness statements, writing examination-in-chief and cross-examination questions, and taking part in practice runs, all supported by teachers Mrs Leahy and Miss Barley.

Jaipreet was assigned to the case R v Burns, playing the role of defendant Misha Burns, who was accused of intimidating her neighbours with a replica firearm following months of tension between them. Other students took on key roles including witnesses, barristers, court clerk and usher, helping to recreate a realistic court setting.

“The barristers on our team, Sam and Hannah, worked with all of the witnesses to create questions and write opening and closing speeches,” Jaipreet explained. “In the real trial they were drawn as the prosecution barristers, and Kacey, who acted as court clerk and usher, made sure everything ran smoothly – just like a real trial.”

After weeks of dedication, the team’s efforts were rewarded when Elliott Hudson College secured second place in the regional heat out of 12 teams competing, making it the college’s best-ever result in the Bar Mock Trial Competition.

“Coming second in the regional heat is definitely the main highlight and my biggest memory, because it’s the furthest our team has ever come,” said Jaipreet. “We were all incredibly proud of the commitment we put into this, and it really showed on the day.”

The experience also had a strong impact on students’ personal development and future ambitions.

“My other key takeaway from this unforgettable experience are the development of my communication skills and my ability to think spontaneously,” Jaipreet added. “It also enhanced my understanding of the legal system, which is critical for my future career. My favourite part was meeting new people and working with such incredible students.”

Students would like to thank everyone involved in supporting the competition and congratulated all those who took part.

“Thank you to everyone who participated,” Jaipreet said. Well done, Elliott Hudson College.