On 6^th March 2025, Students from Hounslow had a unique opportunity to visit one of the UK’s most historic courtrooms during a visit to the Old Bailey, hosted by Hounslow’s Promise.

Highlights of the day included an engaging talk and a Q&A session with judge Anuja Dhir KC, where students had the opportunity to ask the judge their own questions. Students found Judge Dhir’s journey inspiring; from starting out at the bar to taking silk and eventually becoming a judge at the Old Bailey.

In addition to this, students had the opportunity to hear from Seema Malhotra MP, a Government Minister in the Home Office. Seema provided an insightful talk about the role of Parliament in shaping laws.

The visit also included a guided tour of the Old Bailey where students had an exclusive look at the inner workings of the court, providing a deeper understanding of judicial procedures and how a court runs on a day-to-day basis.

Students also had the opportunity to observe real cases being heard and gained an insight into the judicial process and the roles of different legal professionals.

It was truly remarkable to see young people engaged and inspired. We were all truly impressed by all their enthusiasm and curiosity.

We look forward to hosting future events and masterclasses where young people in Hounslow can gain new experiences outside of the classroom.

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Quotes from Participants:

• "The live courtroom sessions were fascinating—they provided real insight into how the justice system functions."
• "Hearing the judge’s career journey during the Q&A was highly motivating and practical for my aspirations."
• "Learning how all the different roles in the courtroom collaborate to deliver justice was very informative."

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