Former Stratford Girls’ Grammar School Pupil turned Law Student Wins Prestigious Mooting Prize

A former Stratford Girls’ Grammar School pupil has been awarded a prestigious prize for her outstanding performance in simulated courtroom advocacy and an Academic Scholarship worth £1,000 for consistently excellent performance in her studies.

Maisie Packman, 19, from Alcester, and in the second year of her LLB Law degree at the University of Worcester, has won the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Branch of the Magistrates Association First Year Mooting Prize alongside a scholarship recognising consistent academic excellence.

The Mooting Prize recognises her excellent performance in mooting, a simulated court exercise in which law students present legal arguments before a judge, mirroring the work of practising barristers and solicitors.

“This award is a wonderful recognition of my hard work, dedication and passion for advocacy,” said Maisie. “This recognition has boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue pursuing a career at the criminal bar.”

She added: “As an aspiring criminal barrister, this award will set me apart by demonstrating my ability to think critically, argue persuasively and advocate with confidence.”

Maisie said she will always be grateful to the teachers at Stratford Girls’ Grammar School for believing in her abilities and seeing her potential.

“My sixth form experience has helped shape who I am today,” she said. “They were continually supportive of my aspirations and provided valuable opportunities such as student leadership and a Bar Mock Trial experience that strengthened my confidence and shaped my ambition to become a barrister.”

The Academic Scholarship Maisie earned for achieving top grades will help fund the costs of the Bar Course, bringing her a step closer to realising her goal of being a criminal barrister.

Maisie is studying at the University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide, with judges describing a performance that "leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade".

“I chose the University of Worcester as I was drawn to the less intimidating class sizes and incredible 1-to-1 support that’s offered from the start,” she said. “I was also drawn to Worcester’s safe and welcoming community, as well as the Law School’s bespoke opportunities to gain practical legal experience and develop the skills needed for a future career at the Bar.”

Mooting takes place at the University of Worcester in a dedicated, purpose-built mock courtroom, designed to replicate the sorts of environments that law students like Maisie aspire to go on to work in.

Academic prizes at the University are supported by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers and many successful graduates of the University.

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “Academic prizes show how hard a student has worked during their studies, and they’re a wonderful way to celebrate the individual achievements of students.

She added: “We’re incredibly proud of all of our prize winners, and we hope that receiving this award will not only recognise their dedication and commitment but also help them as they take the next steps in their careers and further studies.”