Young people from Shropshire are being given a unique opportunity to experience the criminal justice system first-hand thanks to a new initiative by the High Sheriff Jane Trowbridge delivered by The New Saints FC Foundation (TNS Foundation) in collaboration with Shrewsbury Crown Court.

The programme, called “Getting Court,” provides small groups of pupils with an informal but powerful insight into how the courts operate. The first visit took place on 27th February at Shrewsbury Crown Court, with around ten young people expected to take part every six weeks as the programme develops.

The initiative is supported by funding from The Wynn Foundation and has also received additional backing from former High Sheriff David Stacey, who was so impressed by the project that he offered further support from the Nicholas Stacey Society to help extend the scheme.

Originally developed in Oxfordshire, the programme aims to help reduce youth offending by allowing young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk, to witness the reality and consequences of crime inside a real courtroom environment.

During the inaugural visit, seven students from The Marches School and The Marches Academy Trust Inclusion (MATI) Team, attended alongside staff from the school and from the TNS Foundation. The group received an introduction to the justice system from His Honour Judge Lowe, before observing live court proceedings and learning about the different roles within the courtroom.

Judge Lowe helped explain the justice system in a way that resonated with the students, using a football analogy to describe consequences and rules.

In his words: “Even if it only stops one young person from becoming criminalised, it is worth it.”

The visit left a strong impression on the students, many of whom said the experience challenged their expectations of the courtroom. One student commented: “I liked the Judge, he was really friendly and not how I imagined. I liked it that he came and let us see his wig and take it off.” Another said: “I didn’t realise how serious it would be just walking into the court and getting searched.”

Others reflected on the impact of seeing real cases being heard:

  • “Some of the crimes were shocking, I wouldn’t like to be sat in the boxes opposite the judge.”
  • “It made me think that I wouldn’t like to get in trouble with the police and end up having to go to court.”
  • “I didn’t expect court to look like that.”

Justine Holdsworth, Deputy Head of the Marches Academy Trust Inclusion (MATI) team, accompanied the students and highlighted the value of the experience. She said: “The Getting Court experience was extremely informative and valuable, particularly for students who may be struggling in school or who may be at risk of getting into trouble either in or outside of school.”

“Observing the court environment first-hand gave them a real-life perspective of the justice system. From the moment we arrived, it sparked curiosity and thoughtful questions from the students.”

“Judge Lowe was kind, approachable and encouraging, and he spoke to the students in a way that made them feel empowered to make positive choices.”

Jane Trowbridge, High Sheriff of Shropshire 2025-2026, said the scheme is part of a wider youth awareness initiative aimed at giving young people a better understanding of the consequences of crime. She added: “The aim is to bring young people into the court environment so they can see the reality of crime and justice. It is hoped that by seeing the process first-hand, it will act as a deterrent and help guide them toward positive choices.”

I am very grateful to His Honour Judge Lowe for making it all possible and to his court staff who have all put in a lot of hard work to make it such a success. The TNS Foundation were fantastic from the start and enormously positive in their support and commitment.

Tom Leather, Business Development and Operations Manager with The New Saints FC Foundation said “We have been delighted to get this programme off the ground and thank all those involved in helping us to bring it from an idea to reality in such a short time.  We very much look forward to working with all partners to maximise the benefit of the programme for children in Shropshire.”

The organisers hope to expand the programme to more schools across Shropshire, allowing more young people to benefit from the experience.

The next sessions are planned to take place every six weeks, continuing to build partnerships between the courts, schools, and community organisations working to support young people.

L-R): Tom Leather – TNS Foundation, Emma Grindley – Marches School, HHJ Lowe, Court Usher- Lisa Pask, Emily Kelly – Court Staff, Justine Holdsworth – Deputy Head of MMATI.