The Sixth Form Centre has won this year's Guernsey Collas Crill Moot.
Tom de Sausmarez and Aleksandra Jakubowska, from the Sixth Form Centre, took on Alex Girollet, Thomas Gidney and Ellis Hepworth of Blanchelande in the hotly contested final of the annual mock trial competition.
The final was presided over by a judging panel of the Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland and Judge of the Magistrate's Court, Marc Davies, along with Collas Crill Partner Christian Hay. It took place in Court 3 of the Royal Courts of Guernsey.
The students went head to head in a criminal case, all putting forward their cases to the judges as counsel for their fictitious clients.
The finalists experienced a truly authentic courtroom trial with full adherence to official court formalities, regalia and etiquette. This extended to the students' friends, family and teachers from both schools, as well as their Collas Crill coaches, who watched on from the viewing gallery.
The students were then marked on a number of factors including their court etiquette, persuasiveness, clarity, body language and time-keeping.
In her closing remarks the Deputy Bailiff commented that it was incredibly close. She said that all four students did extremely well and should be very proud of themselves but that Tom and Aleksandra of The Sixth Form Centre just had the edge. She offered congratulations to both teams.
Christian Hay said: 'I was impressed by all five students. They all stepped up to the challenge of representing their clients in an eloquent and professional manner, keeping their cool when questioned by the panel. It was clear to see how much work they had put into preparing for the final. Congratulations to Tom and Aleksandra and a huge well done to Alex, Thomas and Ellis.'
This is the fifth year the Deputy Bailiff has presiding over the Collas Crill Moot as judge. It is the first time Judge Davies has been involved in the competition. As well as giving his time to be a member of the judging panel, Judge Davies has helped coach the students in the build up to the final.
'To be able to stage the final in the Royal Court, complete with all the etiquette and ceremony, means that it plays out just as a real-life criminal case would do. I would like to thank Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland for her support once again, and for allowing us to stage the final at Royal Court. I would also like to thank Judge Davies for his participation this year. The support, help and assistance he gave to the students has been invaluable.
'The ultimate aim of the Moot has always been to support the lawyers of the future by providing them with first-hand, fully immersive experience. Over the years a number of Moot participants have gone on to become bursary students, trainees and ultimately qualified lawyers with Collas Crill. We are proud to have associates and senior associates who have come through our training programme who credit the Moot in solidifying their interest in a career in law,' said Christian.
Tom and Aleksandra were presented with the Collas Crill Moot shield to take back to The Sixth Form Centre, as well as individual prizes and trophies. Alex, Thomas and Ellis also received gifts from Collas Crill.
Photo caption (L-R): Aleksandra Jakubowska, Tom de Sausmarez, Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland, Collas Crill's Christian Hay, Marc Davies
About the Collas Crill Moot
- Around 100 sixth form students from Ladies' College, Elizabeth College, Blanchelande College and the Sixth Form Centre took part in the 2025 competition.
- The annual Collas Crill Moot involves students studying real-life legal case notes and applying them to a mock court situation.
- Participants are mentored and coached by Collas Crill paralegals and trainee solicitors throughout the competition and judged by some of the firm's partners during the mock trials.
- The competition has been running in Guernsey for 18 years, four in Cayman and two years in Jersey.
- Elizabeth College won last year's Guernsey Moot.
