STUDENTS are to take part in a new programme designed to inspire them to pursue a career in law.

More than 60 Year 12 pupils will be attending the course in City Hall, with 54 of them coming from Bradford schools.

Students will have the chance to speak to judges, barristers and solicitors.

The programme covers the many aspects of legal career options such as criminal law, business law, family law, civil law, and citizens’ advice and the law.

The event will take place over three days and is hosted by Bradford Council this year.

Students will also be given background information on how the law works in England and Wales and what is involved when a student studies law.

The programme will also make use of the old court room in City Hall to help re-enact proceedings so that students can see what happens in a court setting.

The Student Pre-University Court Exposure (SPRUCE) programme was started in 2015 by His Honour, Judge Jonathan Rose, from Bradford Combined Court Centre.

He said: “The course provides an important introduction to the study and practice of Law for Year 12 students making decisions about their future career paths.

“The course has the support and approval of the Lord Chief Justice and senior Judiciary, as well as the Bar Council and Law Society.”

The schools taking part include Immanuel College, Dixons McMillan Academy, Beckfoot Oakbank Academy, Beckfoot School, Parkside School, Bingley Grammar School, Bradford Grammar School, Laisterdyke Leadership Academy, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, Southfield Grange Trust, Tong Leadership Academy, and St Benedict’s Sixth Form.

Judge Rose added: “My policy has been to give a place to any student who applies and the result of this has been that over the four years we have been running the course numbers have increased from 24 in our first year to 66 this year. One result of this is that we have had to move the course out of Bradford Crown Court.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “This inspirational three day programme is a great opportunity for Bradford pupils to find out more about the law and which areas they may want to study when they go to university.

“It’s a fantastic example of how organisations and businesses can take an active and positive role in supporting young people in our district.”

The course will begin on June 26.