Trafford and Stockport College Group is leading the way in empowering young people to understand and engage with democracy through its new ‘Road to Votes at 16’ Roadmap.
The roadmap comes after the Government announced plans for 16-year-olds to gain the right to vote by the next General Election.
The first initiative on this roadmap saw the College Group invite Tom Morrison MP to host the first Young Persons Clinic at Cheadle College, giving students a direct opportunity to voice their views and ask questions about political issues that affect their lives.
Marking a significant step forward in giving young people a stronger platform to engage with politics and decision-making, these regular clinics are set to become an extension of the College Group’s successful aspiration to deliver activities that support young people in understanding their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.
In addition to the variety of activities offered, the College has designed a Young Leaders Programme specifically to enhance students’ understanding of democratic systems, encourage active participation, and build confidence in raising issues that matter to them.
Michelle McLaughlin MBE, Head of Personal and Professional Development, who developed the initiatives, said: “It is essential that young people know their value and have their voices heard in a liberal democracy, and so accessing a wide range of activities to support democratic education and understanding rights and responsibilities is a key objective for our College Group.”
Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, delivered his clinic to 60-plus students at Cheadle College, most of whom are his constituents. The student group included an A-Level Law group, Level 3 Sociology students, and two GCSE groups.
Students considered the themes for their questions and were able to put them directly to their MP and hear first-hand how the Liberal Democrats would potentially address their concerns locally and take their views back to the House of Commons and the national forum.
Students considered the themes for their questions and were able to put them directly to their MP and hear first-hand how the Liberal Democrats would potentially address their concerns locally and take their views back to the House of Commons and the national forum.
One student, Arwa Haj, said: “It was quite a privilege to meet the MP. I was able to get my questions out there and I’m grateful to college for giving me that experience.”
Another student added: “It was truly a valuable experience. It gave us a rare opportunity to directly interact with our MP and share our concerns openly. I sincerely appreciate the time and patience he showed in addressing our questions. Such interactions not only guide us but also motivate us to think critically about our role in shaping the future.”
Also attending the clinic was Carmen Gonzalez-Eslava, Group Principal, who was impressed by the maturity and confidence of the students:
“A huge thank you to everyone for your energy, curiosity, and engagement during today’s visit. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do across the College to make sure your voices are heard — because the future truly is in your hands.
Never underestimate how powerful your voice can be. Every significant change in history began with one person who refused to accept that things had to stay the same. Whether it’s shaping how AI will impact education, improving college transport, or tackling issues that affect your local community — these are your concerns, your future, and you have the power to influence them.
We’re proud to provide spaces and opportunities for you to raise these issues, share your ideas, and take an active role in creating the future you want to see”.
The College Group has already led the way nationally by being the first in the UK to introduce automatic voter registration as an entitlement when enrolling.
The scheme was piloted in partnership with Stockport Council and their Elections Team for students with a Stockport postcode last year and has now been rolled out to include those with a Manchester or Trafford postcode.
So far, more than 3,800 students across the College Group have said ‘yes’ to registering to vote – a key marker in the transition from childhood to adulthood, ensuring their voices can be heard on the issues that affect them.
In line with the College’s Roadmap to Votes at 16, the Group will continue to host constituency clinics with each college’s local MPs to ensure students have direct access to political leaders and the confidence to campaign, challenge, and influence change in their communities.
