Empowering students as democratic citizens: how schools and colleges can prepare young people for votes at 16

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Schools, Learning and Assessment, chaired by Peter Swallow MP, launched its inquiry into votes at 16 in November 2025. Following the Government's announcement that 16- and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, the inquiry explored whether young people are adequately prepared to exercise this new democratic right and what government, schools and colleges can do to ensure they are.

The inquiry considered a wide range of evidence, receiving written submissions from more than 50 organisations and individuals. The APPG also held oral evidence sessions with young people, teachers and educators, and organisations working on democratic education and civic engagement in Scotland and Wales. In addition, the Group hosted a discussion session at this year's Fair Education Alliance Youth Summit.

Following the inquiry, the APPG has published its report, Empowering students as democratic citizens: How schools and colleges can prepare young people for votes at 16, setting out its findings and recommendations. 

Read the full report here