What Did Barnsley Academy Students Learn at the House of Lords?

Ever wondered how the House of Lords actually works? Well, a group of students from Barnsley Academy got a first-hand look when they travelled to London on Tuesday, 28 January for a special ‘Learn with the Lords Day’.

They weren’t alone—over 400 students from across the UK joined them to explore one of the most important institutions in British politics. They walked the historic halls of the Houses of Parliament, saw where laws are debated, and even got to quiz some of the Lords themselves.

Exploring the House of Lords

The visit started with a tour of Parliament, where students learned about the House of Lords’ key role in shaping laws. Unlike MPs in the House of Commons, Lords aren’t elected—they’re appointed based on their expertise. That means they bring a mix of experience, from politics to business, science, and the arts.

The students got a closer look at how the Lords hold the government to account, review new laws, and make recommendations on big national issues through their committee work.

Meeting the Lords face to face

The highlight of the day? A Q&A session with some of the Lords themselves. The panel included:

• Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle – former leader of the Green Party
• Lord Young of Cookham – a former MP
• Baroness Smith of Llanfaes – the youngest member of the House of Lords
• Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith – the presiding officer of the Lords

The students had the chance to ask direct questions about the Lords' work, politics, and even their personal experiences. And from what Lord McFall said, the Lords enjoyed it just as much as the students!

“As a former teacher, it was a privilege for myself, and fellow Members, to engage with such a lively and curious group of young people from across the UK and be able to showcase the vital work of the Lords, whilst demonstrating the diverse range of experience in the House.”

He also hoped the visit sparked an interest in politics for the students—because let’s be honest, politics isn’t just about fancy speeches, it’s about decisions that affect all of us.

Why does the House of Lords matter?

The House of Lords might not get as much attention as the House of Commons, but it plays a huge role in UK politics. Here’s why:

• It reviews and suggests changes to new laws before they are passed.
• It holds the government accountable, making sure decisions are properly debated.
• It investigates public issues, from healthcare to climate change, through expert committees.

The ‘Learn with the Lords’ programme is all about helping young people understand how these processes work—and maybe even inspire future politicians!

A trip to remember

For the students of Barnsley Academy, this wasn’t just another school trip. It was a chance to see British politics in action, meet real politicians, and understand how decisions are made at the very top. Who knows? Maybe one of them will end up in the House of Lords one day!

Would you like to visit the House of Lords? Let us know in the comments!