Campaign urges schools and lawyers to deliver legal lessons before curriculum changes
News
A national campaign is calling on schools and lawyers to help pupils access legal education ahead of changes to the way the rule of law is taught in England.
The Big Legal Lesson was organised by citizenship education charity Young Citizens with the backing of the Law Society of England and Wales and Mishcon de Reya.
It will provide primary, secondary and sixth-form educators with free resources to help them introduce legal concepts in the classroom.
Designed for ages 5 to 18, the resource packs use everyday activities such as eating breakfast cereal and driving to school to help learners understand what the law is, how it affects them and who has the power to change it.
Pupils will learn about the role of the police, judges, lawyers and politicians in the legal justice system, and how citizens can influence decision-making through democratic participation.
The campaign is also calling on volunteers from the legal sector, including legal professionals and law students, to share their knowledge of the law in local schools by 1 May 2026.
From 23 to 27 February 2026, thousands of pupils across England and Wales are expected to take part in The Big Legal Lesson.
Since 2020, the annual campaign has reached over 375,000 children and young people from Key Stage 1 to sixth form.
Last year, 92% of participating teachers said their learners better understood the rule of law and how it affects their lives, whilst more than 8 in 10 children and young people aged 5 to 18 said they think it is important to learn about the law during school.*
The campaign comes following the Government’s announcement that Citizenship, including teaching about law and rights, will be a compulsory subject in primary education from 2028 as part of a revitalised curriculum.**
Previously, citizenship education had only been compulsory from Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) onwards.
Published in November 2025, the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended measures to “ensure that pupils develop an understanding of rules and laws, why they are important, who makes them and the consequences of not following them.”
The review also recommended that the new Citizenship curriculum should introduce concepts such as fairness, equity, and rights and responsibilities.
Ashley Hodges, CEO of Young Citizens, said:
“Every school wants to prepare their young people as citizens, and understanding the law and our legal institutions is key to that.
"But without expert materials and relevant, exciting content, that can be a hard ask.
"When pupils learn how the law works and how it shapes their lives, they gain the confidence to ask questions, make informed decisions, and participate meaningfully in society.
"Our campaign hopes to strengthen the foundations of democratic life by empowering our youngest citizens to understand how our society is run and who is involved, so they know their stake and can influence it.”
Mark Evans, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said:
“Encouraging young learners to understand how the law works and affects everyday life, gives them the confidence to make informed decisions as future citizens.
"The Law Society has supported the Big Legal Lesson since its inception.
"We are proud to see that it continues to inspire young people, teachers and legal professionals in a practical and meaningful way. Young people must learn their rights and responsibilities and feel empowered to engage with the law throughout their lives.”
Verity Taylor, Senior Pro Bono Manager at campaign sponsors Mishcon de Reya said:
“Legal literacy is foundational to a thriving democratic society, which is why we’re incredibly proud to support The Big Legal Lesson again in 2026.
"At Mishcon de Reya, we believe that understanding the law should be empowering, not intimidating.
"This initiative opens the door for young people to build confidence, curiosity and critical thinking skills that will stay with them for life."
Notes to editors
- Young Citizens’ campaign The Big Legal Lesson, backed by the Law Society and Mishcon de Reya, will help thousands of pupils access a lesson about the law across England and Wales.
- The campaign follows the Government’s announcement that Citizenship, which includes teaching about the rule of law, will be mandatory across all key stages from 2028 in England.
- 375,000 children and young people have taken part in The Big Legal Lesson since 2020.
- Over 80% of pupils think it is important to learn about the law at school.
- *Figures taken from a Young Citizens survey (2025) of 26 teachers and 119 children and young people aged 5 to 18 after taking part in The Big Legal Lesson 2025.
- **Curriculum and Assessment Review, Department for Education (2025).
About the Law Society
The Law Society of England and Wales is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Kelis Edwards | 02036570144
About Young Citizens
Young Citizens is a national education charity bringing citizenship to life in classrooms and schools to give all young people the skills to be active in their communities and create a thriving democracy.
Since 1989, it has supported tens of thousands of UK state schools and colleges with immersive learning programmes and classroom resources, empowering young people from 5- to 18-years-old with the essential civic skills they need to shape the world around them.
The charity specialises in connecting young learners to businesses, democratic institutions and the local community to bring complex topics such as politics, law, economics and media to life.
For further information about The Big Legal Lesson or further comment on the importance of legal education in our schools or the new curriculum, please contact Communications Manager, Oliver Walkden, or call 07720 848418.
Schools can join the campaign through the online form.
Legal professionals and law students can register to volunteer through the website.
About Mishcon De Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya is an independent law firm, which now employs over 1400 people with more than 650 lawyers offering a wide range of legal services to companies and individuals.
The firm has grown rapidly in recent years, showing more than 40% revenue growth in the past five years alone.
With presence in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Hong Kong and UAE, the firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply.
The work the firm undertakes is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, centred around three increasingly entwined and connected sectors: the Innovation Economy, Private Wealth and Capital, and Real Estate.
The firm is known as a disputes powerhouse with a formidable capacity firm-wide for dispute resolution.