Attorney General Unveils Complimentary Rule of Law Lesson Plans for Schools Across England and Wales

New lesson plans designed to educate young people about their rights and the legal system have been meticulously crafted in collaboration with expert educators, drawing upon valuable feedback from teachers. These resources encompass a wide range of materials, from introductory lessons for five-year-olds that explore the necessity of rules, to more intricate content that addresses contemporary challenges to the rule of law.

Each lesson is supplemented with task worksheets, explanatory videos, and quizzes to enhance the learning experience. Teachers can freely download the key stage one to four plans from the Oak National Academy’s website, providing a comprehensive toolkit for effective citizenship education.

Widespread Adoption and Government Support

The Oak National Academy, a platform utilised by approximately three-quarters of schools across England, enjoys backing from the Department for Education. The newly launched resources represent a significant step in reimagining citizenship teaching amidst a broader curriculum review. The rule of law is recognised as a Fundamental British Value, highlighting its importance in the educational framework set forth by the Department for Education.

To commemorate the launch of these resources, the Attorney General, Richard Hermer KC, alongside the Advocate General for Scotland, Catherine Smith KC, visited Ark Blake Academy in Croydon on Thursday, 2 July 2026. During their visit, they observed a Year 9 lesson employing the new materials and engaged with students through a question-and-answer session.

Insights from the Attorney General

Richard Hermer KC, the Attorney General, emphasised the importance of understanding laws and rights for every child, stating, “Every child deserves to understand the laws and rights that protect them. Until now, too many schools have lacked the high-quality resources to teach that with confidence. These free lesson plans, developed with Oak National Academy and the Association of Citizenship Teachers, change that.”

He further noted the enthusiasm of the students at Ark Blake Academy as they engaged in discussions about the significance of the rule of law, which he described as a fundamental British value. This engagement underscores the value of the initiative.

Support for Educators and Students

John Roberts, CEO of Oak National Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office to create these resources. He remarked, “It’s been brilliant to work with the Attorney General’s Office to develop these resources, and give teachers the tools to bring important conversations about the rule of law into the classroom.”

Roberts highlighted that by helping students comprehend their rights and the protective role of the law, as well as their responsibilities as members of society, these lessons aim to nurture informed, active citizens. Such educational initiatives play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding of the legal framework and the importance of civic engagement among young people.