Since the programme’s launch in 2007, Members of the House of Lords have been visiting schools and sixth-form colleges across the UK to help support the teaching of the citizenship and social studies curriculum (KS 4 & 5), and encourage other groups of students to learn more about politics and Parliament.
The scheme is managed by the Lord Speaker's office, as part of the House of Lords outreach programme, which aims to raise awareness of the role of the House of Lords and encourage people to get involved in the work of Parliament.
What do schools think of the Peers in Schools programme?
Since September 2007, there have been almost 1000 school visits, with Members talking directly to around 50,000 pupils, and demand from schools and sixth-form colleges has continued to grow.
Feedback on the Peers in Schools programme
“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the talk and the opportunity to ask questions on the House of Lords and [the Peer’s] wider interests – they really appreciated his openness in answering. I hope that this is only the start of our involvement in schemes like this from the House of Lords!” (Northern Ireland Academy)
“I just wanted to say that the Baroness’s visit was fantastic!! She was warm, humorous, approachable, eminently qualified and entertaining! She made a huge impression on my students and completely changed some rather inaccurate impressions of the House of Lords.” (Sixth-form college, Cambridgeshire)
“I would highly recommend the Outreach programme from the House of Lords and indeed to schools looking to engage pupils in UK politics and the workings of Parliament.” (South London school)
What do Members think about the programme?
Baroness Hayman, the former Lord Speaker, is a strong advocate of the programme and says:
“Events in Westminster can sometimes seem very remote and it is vital that people understand what goes on and how they are able to interact with parliamentarians to promote and progress causes which are important to them. I hope that Peers in Schools can contribute to developing that understanding among school students.”
Further information
Image: Lord Adebowale on a Peers in Schools visit. Parliamentary copyright