Burnley College students impress in national law contest

Overcoming competition from 3,600 entrants from more than 1,000 schools across the UK, Isabelle Passmore and Laraib Khan paired up to complete several legal-themed tasks over three months of lockdown.

Their determination, knowledge and skills saw them reach the finals of the competition where they went head-to-head with one other school team.

They finished as runners-up in the national contest, gaining vital experience to support their application to study at university, as well as gaining an in-depth insight into life as top corporate lawyers.

Karen Buchanan, principal of Burnley College Sixth Form Centre, said: “Congratulations to both Isabelle and Laraib on reaching the finals of this prestigious contest which is widely recognised within the legal profession.

"We are very proud of their achievements and the commitment they have shown to reach the finals, overcoming all obstacles placed in their way by Covid-19.

“It is amazing experiences like these – testing their skills against the best students in the UK, working with nationally-recognised experts such as Kingsley Napley and being encouraged to push their boundaries – that allow Burnley College students to stand head and shoulders above the rest.”

Isabelle (17), from Rossendale, is a former pupil of Alder Grange High School. She is studying Sociology and English Language A-Levels, as well as Law and plans to study at King’s College, London, or Newcastle University before becoming a barrister.

She said: “It was such an amazing, fun experience. Kinsgley Napley provided us with a range of documents and fact sheets to prepare and the final took the form of a Round Table debate, which really tested our abilities. Getting to the final was incredible: Laraib and I were really proud to have got so far.”

Laraib (17), from Burnley, is a former pupil at Sir John Thursby Community College. She is studying Religious Studies and English Language A-Levels, as well as Law and plans to study at the University of Manchester before starting her career teaching law.

The competition was originally introduced to students by Burnley College law tutor Sarah McNeill.

Karen added: “This is another example of Burnley College’s outstanding Tutors, who seek out the best opportunities and give our students the best possible experiences.

"It’s for this reason that Burnley College is recognised as the Number 1 College in England in the latest, official Government achievement tables for students aged 16-18.”