Pupils from Oundle School were victorious in a legal competition in which they fulfilled roles as lawyers, witnesses and court officials in a mock criminal trial.

They beat King’s College, Wimbledon, in the final of the Southcot Mock Trial at West London Magistrates’ Court. The competition, organised by Oundle teachers Carolyn Gent and Will Buckley, is designed to give pupils – especially those who want to pursue legal careers – experience of court procedures.

The Judge, Mr Recorder McLeod, specifically commended several pupils for the strength and quality of their performances. The Oundle team prosecuted a criminal damage case and defended an alleged get-away driver from a bank robbery. Both defendants were acquitted.

The team consisted of Tori Hutton, Nick Rowe, Simon Elborne, Alastair Logan, Tim Talbot, Julian Bertrand and Lucy Wordley. Oundle defeated Rugby, Uppingham and Oakham schools in a regional heat held at Oakham Castle. King’s College defeated St Paul’s Girls’ School and Godolphin and Latymer in the London heat.

The Southcot Mock Trial is named after 16th century lawyer John Southcot, who wrote a codicil to the will of former Oundle pupil and Lord Mayor of London Sir William Laxton for an endowment in support of the school