After a competitive application process, Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) was selected as one of just ten educational institutions nationwide to visit the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom for a prestigious debate day.

A Level Law students travelled to London for an immersive experience at the heart of the UK’s legal system. Their day began with an exclusive tour of the Supreme Court, including a rare glimpse into one of the country’s finest legal libraries.

Learners then divided into teams and, under the guidance of top London-based lawyers, refined their debate arguments. The experience culminated in a debate held in Courtroom 2, where students tackled the complex criminal law doctrine of joint enterprise, discussing its morality and potential need for reform.

Karen Crowley, Course Leader, reflected on the experience,

It was such an honour to debate in a court that pays homage to the European legal system. The courtroom also features images of three inspirational women in judicial history, alongside an unknown law student representing the future of women in the profession.

I am incredibly proud of my students for their level of engagement and how they rose to the challenge of advocating in court. I am also extremely grateful to the Supreme Court and the lawyers involved for enriching my learners’ understanding and answering their many burning questions—this was truly a rare and invaluable opportunity.

Frazer, second-year student, shared his thoughts on the trip,

At the Supreme Court, we had the chance to engage with specialised legal professionals who helped us craft strong arguments on joint enterprise. Beyond the debate, we also gained valuable insight into the diverse career pathways within law. This experience has been both enjoyable and informative, and I’ll be able to reference it in my personal statement and cover letter applications to law firms.

This unique opportunity enabled students to sharpen their advocacy skills, gain first-hand exposure to the legal profession, and engage with leading legal minds—all within the prestigious setting of the UK’s highest court.

For more information on A Levels and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.