This year has been a really successful year for both our Mock Trial teams. St Albans is certainly on the ‘legal map’ with both the year 9 and the sixth form team making it all the way to the National final held this year at The Old Bailey (sixth form) and The Royal Courts of Justice (year 9).
The National Final of the Magistrates Court Mock Trial Final took place at The Royal Courts of Justice on Saturday 18 June. This year over 270 teams entered this competition from 51 areas around the UK. We were the first Welsh team actually to even reach the final round in over two decades and we were placed 8th overall. This team were the best team I have ever worked with and we were definitely robbed by English judges!!!!
We had a magistrate accompany us to London who is an experienced judge in this competition and this is the message that he sent to me just yesterday:
“I was amazed that St Albans only came 8th! It was such a pleasure being amongst such confident, intelligent, able, polite, accepting, well prepared and competitive students. They do St Albans proud and should be very pleased and proud to have been the first Welsh team to reach UK finals in over two decades and to finish in the top half of the final. Please wish all of them well, give my regards and I look forward to seeing some of them as legal counsel in the future. If I can assist in any way please let me know. Best regards, Tim”
Team members:
Anastasiya Gwinnel, Anna Davey, Gabe Edwards, Connor Bollen, Bethan Davies, Demi Heward, Thea Rogers, Olivia Saunders and Ethan Preece.
The team appeared on Radio Wales Saturday morning.
Earlier in the year our sixth form competed in their final at The Old Bailey on Saturday. 208 schools took part, that involved 4000 students and only the top 18 schools could participate in the final. We were placed 8th overall, so an outstanding achievement. The team’s performance was awesome….they really did us proud, I am sure there are a few barristers/solicitors in the making again this year.
