Schools across England and Wales now have access to a new collection of free, classroom-ready lesson plans designed to help pupils understand the rule of law, their rights, and the UK's
legal system. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Attorney General's Office, Oak National Academy, and the Association for Citizenship Teachers.
Created by experienced educators and refined through teacher feedback, the resources cater to students from Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 4. Younger children are introduced to the importance of rules and fairness, while older students explore more advanced topics, including contemporary challenges to the rule of law and its role in a democratic society.
Each lesson package includes supporting worksheets, explainer videos, and quizzes, providing teachers with ready-to-use materials for the classroom. All resources are available to download free of charge through Oak National Academy.
Oak National Academy, which is used by approximately three-quarters of schools in England and supported by the Department for Education, developed the materials as part of a wider effort to strengthen citizenship education. The rule of law remains one of the Department for Education's Fundamental British Values, making the new lesson plans a valuable addition to the national curriculum.
The launch was marked by a visit to Ark Blake Academy in Croydon on 2 July 2026, where Attorney General Richard Hermer KC and Advocate General for Scotland Catherine Smith KC observed a Year 9 citizenship lesson using the new materials. During the visit, they also met with students to discuss the importance of the rule of law and answer questions about the legal system.
