This year, Rayden Solicitors were very excited to bring our Work Experience Competition across the four Secondary schools in Harpenden – Katherine Warington School, Roundwood Park, Sir John Lawes School and St George’s.

This is the third year the competition has run, and the second year across the consortium schools.  

Rayden Solicitors is an award-winning specialist family law firm with 10 offices, including an office in Harpenden High Street. Rayden Solicitors specialise in all aspects of family law and are experts in financial and children matters.

Last term, students in year 12 were invited to submit written entries setting out how they would determine a family law scenario. We were delighted by the number of entries received and the calibre of those entries which made choosing the 8 finalists very difficult! After very careful consideration, our eight finalists consisted of two students from each school.  Charlie A and Owen Y of Katherine Warington, Bella B and Immy M of St George’s, Isla M and James W of Sir John Lawes and Emily D and Hasnain F of Roundwood Park were chosen to participate in an all-day Mock Trial on 2 June 2026.

Katie Skinner (Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive, Rayden Solicitors), Kendra Jeffries (Associate, Rayden Solicitors), Jenna Lucas (Barrister, Pump Court Chambers), Cordelia Williams (Barrister, Pump Court Chambers),  Albert Gibbon (Barrister, Pump Court Chambers), Claire Johnson (Trainee Solicitor, Rayden Solicitors) and Olivia Faulds (Paralegal, Rayden Solicitors) attended with trial papers in hand ready to meet the students, and to prepare and deliver cross-examination and closing submissions on a case scenario which was based on an application by one parent to relocate abroad with the child, which was opposed by the other parent who wished for the child to remain in London.

We started the day by splitting up into two teams, one team for the applicant and one team for the respondent and then spent some time going through the case papers, getting top tips from the barristers on the skill of advocacy and agreeing a strategy for how we would conduct the case. We were all thoroughly impressed by how quickly all of the students got to grips with the nuances of the case and with the challenging techniques of cross examination. The students then had the opportunity to deliver cross-examination, the questioning of the other side’s witnesses – they really held their own against the curveballs thrown at them by the parties who were being questioned, played by Claire and Olivia from Rayden Solicitors. They did this in front of their ‘Judge’ for the day, Jenna Lucas. It was no doubt intimidating to have a go at this in a room full of legal professionals but the students did an amazing job – confidently delivering their questions and thinking on their feet. We then enjoyed lunch together before spending time preparing closing submissions in our teams; this a summary of your case for the Judge. The students then delivered these and all persuasively and robustly put forward their client’s respective cases. The Judge then delivered her decision. It is safe to say our Judge was very impressed by the skill and care in which both cases were presented and, regardless of the outcome, all eight students should be incredibly proud of how they conducted themselves in the Mock Trial!

A very big congratulations to Charlie, Owen, Bella, Immy, Isla, James, Emily and Hasnain for your fantastic work throughout the day! It was a pleasure meeting and working with you all. We wish all of you the very best in whatever you choose to do and have no doubt you will have a successful future ahead.

We had a very tough decision on our hands to select our overall winners but are delighted to share that Emily D and Owen Y will be joining us for work experience later this year as our competition winners!

Thank you to everyone from all four schools for working with us to make the competition such a success.

In tribute to Pride month at KWS, we are thrilled to showcase our large selection of books celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and voices. Our school is proud to be a welcoming, inclusive space for every student.

Recently, year 12 students Lucas and Alexandra had the opportunity to visit University of St Andrews, where they explored university life and learned more about future study opportunities in science-related subjects. They spoke to the whole school in a recent celebration assembly about their experience. The following is a summary of their talk:

The visit gave both students a valuable insight into the university’s historic campus, welcoming atmosphere, and wide range of academic courses. Lucas focused on Marine Biology and particularly enjoyed visiting the Scottish Oceans Institute, where he learned about marine ecosystems, conservation projects, and the practical fieldwork opportunities available due to the university’s coastal location.

Alexandra explored Biochemistry, learning about how the course develops from broad scientific study into more specialised areas over time. She was especially interested in hearing about research into medicines, diseases, and cell function, as well as seeing the university’s modern laboratories and facilities.

Both students found it inspiring to meet university staff and current students who shared their passion for science and explained how practical learning and research opportunities help prepare students for future careers. Overall, the trip provided an excellent insight into university life and helped students consider their future higher education pathways.

Thank you to Alexandra and Lucas for passing on their experiences.