Oakmeadow pupils explore local democracy at Shrewsbury Guildhall

Chloe Miller Author 2026-05-22 11:03 2 min read

A group of schoolchildren and adults posing indoors with a mayor wearing a ceremonial chain.

Contents

What changed during the visit
Chamber debates and school lunch proposals
Direct engagement with Shropshire leadership

Pupils from Oakmeadow School in Bayston Hill recently visited the Guildhall in Shrewsbury to gain first-hand experience of local government operations. The School Council members were invited by Cllr Teri Trickett following their own school elections earlier this year, providing an opportunity to see how regional decision-making functions in practice.

During the visit, the children toured the facility and visited the new Guildhall Café. Council leader Cllr Heather Kidd explained that the café was designed as a community hub to connect staff and visitors. The pupils then moved to the official Council Chamber to engage directly with the county’s leadership.

What changed during the visit

Direct Engagement: Students held a Q&A session with Chairman Duncan Borrowman, Council Leader Heather Kidd, and Cabinet Member Andy Hall.
Procedural Learning: The pupils conducted a mock council meeting in the chamber to learn formal debating rules.
Policy Debate: The School Council debated and proposed specific improvements for school lunchtimes.
Ceremonial Tradition: Every child rang the historic HMS Shropshire council bell, which traditionally opens Full Council meetings.

Chamber debates and school lunch proposals

In the Council Chamber, the pupils asked questions regarding the challenges and rewards of serving as a councillor. The discussion transitioned into a formal meeting where the students followed standard council procedures to debate school-related issues. This session demonstrated the pupils’ proactive approach to representing their fellow students and their ability to generate imaginative solutions for their school community.

Oakmeadow pupils explore local democracy at Shrewsbury Guildhall

Direct engagement with Shropshire leadership

Andy Hall, cabinet member for children and education, noted that involving young people in these processes is essential for the county’s future. He expressed a desire to see more schools engage with the council to help shape local decision-making. The visit concluded with a focus on how these young residents act as the future custodians of the region. Local schools interested in similar educational tours are encouraged to contact their local councillor to arrange a visit.

Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom

Source check Editorial Transparency

This report is based on official proceedings and statements released by the Shropshire Council Newsroom regarding educational outreach at the Guildhall.

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