Primary and secondary schools in Melksham were recently invited to attend a series of educational sessions at the Town Hall, where students met with local councillors and took part in lively debates as part of Parliament Week. The sessions – organised by Melksham Town Council – aimed to inform young people about the role of local government and encourage them to engage with democracy both locally and nationally.
Over five sessions, a total of 125 students from four schools – Forest and Sandridge Primary School, Aloeric Primary School, The Manor School and Clarendon Academy – had the opportunity to meet six councillors, including volunteers from outside local government. A case worker for Brian Mathew MP, Jacob Lawrence, also attended, and a video message from the MP was shown to students during the sessions. In addition, two volunteers from the University of Bath helped to run the events.
During the sessions, students debated a variety of topical issues – from playgrounds and school uniforms to social media policy. They also voted on a ballot on questions such as “Should we ban social media for children under 16?” and “Should all children receive free school meals?” The format gave pupils a hands-on taste of democratic participation and civic debate.
Councillor Adrienne Westbrook said:
“It was so exciting to be part of the Town Council’s first Parliament Week. To understand democracy is a crucial life skill and helps everyone to understand how to play a positive part in our society. Thank you to all the schools that took part.”
About UK Parliament Week
UK Parliament Week is an annual nationwide programme designed to connect people – especially young people – with the UK’s democratic institutions, helping them understand what Parliament does and how they can get involved.
Participants who register receive a free UKPW kit containing resources such as an activity booklet, a pop-up ballot box, banners, stickers, and ideas for events ranging from debates and quizzes to school-council elections and petitions.
Last year alone, over 2.4 million people across every nation of the UK participated in thousands of events.
The initiative gives schools, community groups, and local authorities a structured yet flexible framework for running civic engagement activities tailored to different age groups.
Why Melksham took part
By organising sessions during UK Parliament Week, Melksham Town Council sought to bring democracy closer to young people in the town – showing how local decisions are made, practising debate and voting, and encouraging civic participation long before children reach voting age. The sessions enabled students to explore real-world issues affecting them and their communities, and to see the connections between local government, national politics, and their own lives.