Democracy Day 26 was an opportunity for young people across the district to learn about how elections work, how and where decisions are made, and how their voice matters.
Organised by the Braintree District Cultural Education Partnership and BDC Communities and Elections Teams young people:
- Date: February 3rd, 2026
- Participating Schools: St Andrews Hatfield Peverel Juniors, Holy Family Catholic School, Lyons HallSchool, Alec Hunter School, Great Bradfords Junior School, DeVere Primary, Great Bardfield Primary, White Notley Primary, Great Bradfords Infants
- Students: Approximately 33 students
- Staff: 11 teachers and support staff were
- Purpose: Democracy Day aimed to provide students with hands-on experience of democratic principles and the electoral The day sought to empower students to become active and informed citizens.
- The following schools attended:
- Great Bradfords Juniors
- Great Bradfords Infants
- Mid Essex Academy
- Alec Hunter Academy
- Maltings Academy
- Finchingfield Academy
- Devere Primary
- Lyons Hall Primary
- Great Bardfield Primary
- John Bunyan Primary
- John Ray Infants
- John Ray Juniors
- St. Andrew’s, Hatfield Peverel Junior School
Democracy Day 2026 brought together pupils from across the district for an immersive, hands‑on introduction to democratic participation. The event successfully strengthened civic understanding, developed confidence in public speaking, and encouraged collaboration between schools.
Feedback from both students and school staff indicates exceptionally high engagement, strong enjoyment levels, and a clear appetite for more cultural and democratic‑themed experiences in the future.
Councillors may wish to note that the event directly supports district ambitions around:
youth voice and participation,
- cultural enrichment,
- skills development, and
wellbeing and community cohesion.
- Provide a fun, inclusive and culturally rich experience for all attendees.
- Amplify children’s voices by giving them opportunities to vote, debate and influence outcomes.
These aims were strongly reflected in the qualitative feedback from children and staff, who highlighted the voting process, idea pitching, and open, welcoming atmosphere as key strengths.