Prime Highlights:
- A nationwide campaign is helping students learn the law through simple classroom activities.
- The initiative makes legal learning easy and engaging for students aged 5 to 18.
Key Facts:
- Since 2020, the campaign has reached over 375,000 young people.
- Citizenship education will become compulsory in primary schools from 2028 under plans by the Department for Education.
Background:
A nationwide campaign is helping students learn the law through simple activities. Led by Young Citizens with support from Mishcon de Reya and The Law Society of England and Wales, it makes legal learning easy for students aged 5 to 18.
The programme, called The Big Legal Lesson, provides free teaching resources to primary, secondary, and sixth-form educators. The materials use simple daily examples to explain how laws work, who makes them, and how they affect people’s lives. The campaign also asks lawyers and law students to visit schools and share their knowledge before 1 May 2026.
From 23 to 27 February 2026, thousands of students across England and Wales are expected to take part in the initiative. Feedback from last year showed a strong impact, with most teachers reporting improved understanding among students and a majority of pupils recognising the importance of learning about the law.
Students participating in the programme learn about the roles of police officers, judges, lawyers, and politicians in shaping and enforcing laws. The lessons show how people can take part in decisions through democracy, helping young people understand their role in society.
Leaders say that understanding the law helps young people become more confident and aware. It also helps them make better decisions, ask questions, and take part in society.
With strong support and more schools joining, the campaign is growing. It is helping schools teach legal basics and guiding students to become responsible citizens.
