Preparing their sixth form for the adult life where they may vote and actively participate in politics, Colfe’s School has organised their very own mock election. Each of the six candidates from year 12 have prepared and performed speeches in front of their peers, ran campaigns and have begun canvassing. Some of the major parties of both the left and right of the political spectrum have been represented such as: the Green party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Conservative and Reform UK. This broad selection of parties represents the diversity of opinion in Britain, thus aiding the sixth form’s growth and development in each individual’s political opinions as they identify certain policies which align with the parties.

Why is this important? 

Candidates have researched the policies of the party they are representing through the manifesto – exposing them to the world of politics and developing a greater understanding of, not only the party they are representing, but additionally the parties they are going against. Additionally, candidates benefit from the mock election through developing basic life skills such as public speaking, communication and – in general - confidence. This will provide a great benefit to their future careers or continuation of education. For the electorate, or rest of the sixth form, it will be many pupils first time voting in such an organised fashion, using FPTP and a ballot paper as well as bringing ID – in order to replicate the voting process as effectively as possible. With the London Mayoral and General Election coming up, and with many sixth formers already 18 at Colfe’s, this experience of voting will help to prepare them for voting – both in terms of physically using a ballot paper and learning the policies of some major parties

How will it all end?

On Thursday the 2nd of May, the results  will be announced by the returning officer, and the most successful candidate will relish in the achievement of winning their very first election, perhaps the first of many and the start of a political career.