The Bar Mock Trial Competition
A UK mock trial competition where students prepare criminal cases and take on courtroom roles to prosecute and defend before legal professionals. Open to students aged 15–18 from non-fee-paying schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from legal analysis, argument preparation, advocacy skills and competitive regional-to-national progression.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
6 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
15–18
School level
Years 10-13 (England/Wales), years 11-14 (NI), S4-S6 (Scotland)
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Application and payment, regional heats (Nov-Jan), then national final (Mar/Apr)
Fee
£250 standard entry; £330 Bar Mock Trial PLUS
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
1 Jun 2026
Registration closes
9 Sept 2026
Competition starts
7 Nov 2026
Competition ends
1 Apr 2027
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The competition is for non-fee-paying schools; some heats can run online depending on venue availability.
Source information
- https://www.youngcitizens.org/programmes/mock-trials/
- https://www.youngcitizens.org/programmes/mock-trials/apply/
- https://www.youngcitizens.org/programmes/the-bar-mock-trial-competition/bar-mock-trial-competition-rules/
- https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/i-am-a-school-or-college-student/bar-mock-trials.html