The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition
An England, Wales and Northern Ireland mock trial competition where students take courtroom roles and argue a specially written criminal case. Open to students aged 12–14 from non-fee-paying schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from understanding legal procedure, preparing arguments, teamwork and confident courtroom performance.
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
5 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
12–14
School level
Years 8-9 (England/Wales), years 9-10 (Northern Ireland)
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Applications, local heats, then regional finals
Fee
£240 standard entry; £320 Magistrates' Court Mock Trial PLUS
Online / in-person
Hybrid
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
23 Sept 2026
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
1 Feb 2027
Competition ends
Not yet announced by the organiser
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Open to non-fee-paying schools and education providers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Preparation support
Recommended resources
Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Guide
Open resource ↗Official introduction to the competition, courtroom roles and team preparation journey.
Official · Free · Competition guide · Essential
Magistrates' Court Rules and Procedure
Open resource ↗Official team requirements, trial structure, scoring, timings and role responsibilities.
Official · Free · Rules & judging criteria · Essential
Magistrates' Court Preparation Resources
Open resource ↗Applicant access to the case, witness statements, order of procedure and student role guides.
Official · Paid · Case & role preparation · Essential
Mock Trials Mentor Guide
Open resource ↗Free training on the competition background, cases and student roles for supporting teams.
Official · Free · Mentor training course · Recommended
Source information
Related competitions
Mathematics & Problem Solving · Advanced Level
UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad (Cayley/Hamilton/Maclaurin)
View competition →Related blog posts
Roundup
October 2026 Competition Registration Calendar: What Opens and What Closes This Month
Read article →Roundup