Students across Stoke-on-Trent have taken part in a challenge allowing them to experience local politics. 

Students from Newcastle College and The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College took part in the city's inaugural School Games, a hands-on event giving young people a taste of local politics and an insight into how council decisions are made. 

As part of the city's Centenary programme, the School Games invited students to step into the shoes of council officers across three rounds of activities.  

Teams tackled realistic local scenarios, developing solutions and proposals, and taking part in mock interviews with councillors, members of the media, council officers and other stakeholders. 

Cllr Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, who presented certificates to all teams said: "The School Games are a brilliant way to give young people a real understanding of how local government works. 

"The creativity, insight, and enthusiasm they showed is inspiring, and it gives us real confidence that Stoke-on-Trent's future is in very capable hands." 

Judges praised the high standard of submissions with The Potterpreneurs from Newcastle College coming out on top with 185 points out of a possible 200. 

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "The event encouraged young people to take an active interest in local politics and understand how council decisions shape communities. 

"By stepping into the roles of council officers and decision-makers, students gained a real insight into how local government works – helping to spark interest in public service and inspire the next generation to consider a career in local government." 

Several student participants offered positive feedback about the event.  

Max, from Newcastle College, said: "The day was extremely enjoyable and provided me with many opportunities to speak with different people such as the Lord Mayor. 

"It was a privilege to be able to speak to people and feel as though I am making a change to the city." 

Libby, also of Newcastle College, said: "This has been an amazing opportunity for us young people to understand how business works in real life and in real job roles that we could be in in the future. 

"It has been an amazing experience Stoke-on-Trent City Council have put on for us." 

Phoebe, from City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, said: "I found the council day to be an amazing experience and it really developed my understanding on political views which made me strongly consider a career in that field. 

"I benefited from being in roles of leadership and working together efficiently as a team." 

Daniel, also of the sixth form college, said: "Today was a great experience that was both educational and fun. It helped us grow our knowledge on what working in local government and how to work with a team. 

"Overall, it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone in a similar position."