A national campaign is calling on 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, organised by citizenship education charity Young Citizens with the backing of the Law Society and London firm Mishcon de Reya, will provide primary, secondary and sixth-form educators with free resource packs to help them introduce legal concepts in the classroom.

Designed for ages five 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 on legal professionals and law students, to share their knowledge of the law in local schools by 1 May 2026.

The campaign follows 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 in England. Previously, citizenship education had been compulsory only from Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14).

Ashley Hodges, chief executive 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.'

Law Society president Mark Evans 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. Young people must learn their rights and responsibilities and feel empowered to engage with the law throughout their lives.'