Creative tasks, quick thinking, and plenty of laughter filled Warwick Arts Centre's Butterworth Hall on Wednesday 17 June as pupils from across the UK and Ireland gathered at the University of Warwick for the School Tasking Champion of Champions Final 2026.
The event welcomed six primary schools from across the UK and Ireland; each having won their regional heat to earn a place in the national final.
Pupils from Coventry's Charter Academy were among the finalists, becoming the first primary school working with the University of Warwick to reach the Champion of Champions Final. The winning team, The Smart Ones from Stanhope Street Primary School, travelled from Dublin to take part in the event.
Created by Dr Ali Struthers at the University of Warwick, the School Tasking university outreach project uses playful, task-based challenges inspired by the Channel 4 programme, Taskmaster, to introduce primary school pupils to the Law through activities and tasks that promote teamwork, problem-solving and lateral thinking.
Pupils taking part learn about interesting aspects of the Law in order to pique their interest in Public Legal Education and to help develop key skills associated with legal practice, including oracy, advocacy and reasoning.
At the 'Champion of Champions' Final, pupils tackled a series of imaginative tasks designed to test communication, creativity and collaboration, often producing unexpected solutions that delighted both judges and audience members alike.
Taskmaster creator and comedian, Alex Horne, said: "Every year, I'm amazed by what the children achieve at the Champion of Champions Final. They're asked to think creatively, work together, and solve problems on the spot, in front of a packed hall, which can't be easy.
"What always stands out is how enthusiastically they throw themselves into every task. The ideas they come up with are brilliant, unexpected, and often far better than anything the adults could have planned.
"It's a joy to watch and a real privilege to be part of it."
The final also formed part of a wider visit to the University by Attorney General Richard Hermer KC. During the day, he met those involved in School Tasking, as well as children from across the region taking part in a range of widening participation and outreach activities designed to raise aspirations and introduce young people to higher education.
The Attorney General Richard Hermer KC, said: "Spending time with these remarkable young people today, watching them tackle every challenge with creativity and confidence, reinforces exactly why public legal education matters so much. Bringing the rule of law to life, in fun and creative ways helps young people understand fairness, equality and feel confident to speak up."
"That is why the work that Dr Struthers and the University of Warwick are doing through School Tasking is so important, and why the AGO is committed to championing and supporting it."
During his visit, Richard Hermer and comedian and Taskmaster co-creator Alex Horne also helped judge a special trophy design competition, showcasing pupils' creativity beyond the main tasks.
Dr Ali Struthers, Reader in Law at the University of Warwick and creator of School Tasking, added: "The Champion of Champions Final really brings out what School Tasking is all about, with pupils working together, communicating and solving problems in ways that let different strengths shine through.
"It's always great to see how quickly confidence builds when everyone is included and encouraged to have a go.
"We were really pleased to welcome the Attorney General and to share the creativity, confidence and collaboration that School Tasking helps to nurture. His visit is a reminder of the difference that outreach programs can make in helping young people see that university is somewhere they can feel comfortable and included and that subjects like Law are well within reach for young people from all backgrounds."
