Lesson in democracy as pupils head to the polls

Pupils at Ashford’s Norton Knatchbull School exercised their ‘democratic right’ last week, voting in their own mock general election.

More than 800 pupils took part in the event throughout the week, with ‘hustings’ in assemblies.

History teacher Tom Snare said: “The election went very well. The speeches were aimed at issues that have a greater impact on them then others such as education, funding, university and grammar schools.

“The aim of the entire process was to both introduce the students to some of the main issues that are faced by voters today and to give them a feel of the UK’s democratic process, two things that we certainly achieved. The students made the most of the opportunity to get involved in the democratic process with a 90% turnout - 819 out of a possible 913 voting.

“I am pleased that so many took this opportunity to vote and learn about the process because by the time the next election comes around many of them will be eligible to vote and I hope this process has encouraged them to make the most of that opportunity.

“The winning party was the Labour Party with 33% of the vote. A comparison I would draw to the results is that Labour and the Conservatives were the clear two favourites. The high youth turnout in the General Election voting largely in favour of Labour is another, stronger comparison.”

Picture: Paul Amos FM4800596 Year 10 students hear from the main parties, from left Lib Dem Giacomo Oldfield, Labour’s Dan Fitch, Xavier Standard, for Ukip, Conservative Kai Cooper and Nixon Budha for the Greens

Picture: Paul Amos FM4804690 Head teacher for the day Sesehang with his pupils all around him

Picture: Paul Amos FM4804692 Sesehang takes the important calls in the head teachers as head Catherine Hylands and chair of governors Cllr Brendan Chilton await their orders

FM4800609 Giacomo Oldfield for the Lib Dems