At TSCG, we are at the forefront of delivering political literacy and awareness of the democratic process as part of our offer to students. We recognise that a key point of transition to adulthood is being equipped to understand and value rights and responsibilities and be active in democratic processes.
In 2024, we were the first FE College in the UK to introduce opt-in automatic voter registration through enrolment – which unlocks a range of opportunities and benefits for students.
In preparation for adulthood, students can be ready to access their democratic rights at election times but also start their credit history and boost the score which supports independent living (e.g. moving house, signing rental agreements).
Our Student Experience offer provides students with activities such as:
Should the voting age be reduced to 16?
Should access on smart phones for under 16s be regulated?
Is travel around Greater Manchester costed at the right price for young people?
The 'Mood Box' takes a temperature check on young people's views and allows them to consider and 'vote' and share their views on key areas.
During Parliament Week each year, our college participates in a ‘Student Question Time’ event. TSCG founded this event a number of years ago and students get to ask questions of local politicians and civic leaders.
This event allows our students to meet senior politicians, leaders in business, leaders in education and wider society. This event is now held Greater Manchester wide.
Our student Debate Club takes the debate to local schools to practise and share their skills in critical thinking, turn taking and participating in accordance with the House of Commons principles of debate.
Our student Debate Club works with local high schools and primary schools to support personal presentation and oracy skills.
We are proud to partner with the Tony Lloyd Foundation – working together to ensure that more and more young people can engage in the democratic process, aspire to leadership roles within their local community and consider a career in politics.
Every year our students have an opportunity to present their views to Scrutiny Committees within Stockport and Trafford councils – putting across the opinions and suggestions of young people.
This activity has resulted in young people shaping the local offer for Stockport and a review of LGBTQ+ services in Trafford.
In 2024, former Stockport College student Esha Mumtaz was elected as the youngest ever councillor in Manchester local authority, having engaged extensively in our approach to political literacy and democratic education during her time at the college.
