Young Voices Rise: Southend School Hosts Landmark Election Honouring Sir David Amess

A Southend primary school has marked a powerful milestone in civic education, as pupils stepped into the world of democracy in honour of the late Sir David Amess.

Fairways Primary School welcomed the National Mace Tour on 26 April, bringing with it not just ceremony, but a hands-on lesson in how democracy works. The visit forms part of the wider rollout of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK initiative, a programme designed to inspire young people to understand and engage with democratic life from an early age.

At the heart of the day was a full-scale school election, giving pupils aged seven to eleven the chance to campaign, vote, and experience the democratic process first-hand. In a closely contested race, nine-year-old Olivia White emerged victorious and will now go on to represent Fairways at Westminster this October, joining peers from across the UK in a national children’s debate.

The election was not just symbolic. Pupils engaged in campaigning, speeches, and an anonymous ballot process, mirroring real-world voting conditions. The experience was designed to move beyond theory and immerse children in active participation.

Headteacher Gareth Turner emphasised the importance of this approach. He said democracy is one of the core British values embedded at Fairways, but stressed that understanding cannot come from discussion alone.

“For our children, who will grow up in a diverse and multicultural society, tolerance and understanding are essential,” he explained. “We find that the best way for them to learn is through doing. It’s not enough to talk about democracy – they need to experience it and be active participants.”

The event also highlighted the breadth of talent and enthusiasm among the pupils. Hugo Karczewski, aged nine, was appointed deputy to Olivia, while eight-year-old Daisy Davenport secured a role within the CPTV media team. Fellow finalists Izzy Casey, Marnie McHugh, and Lilly Shaw were also recognised for the strength of their campaigns, reflecting a high level of engagement across the school.

Anna Firth, Patron of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK, underlined the long-term importance of initiatives like this. She noted that democratic awareness should begin well before voting age.

“Democracy does not start at 16 –  it starts in the classroom,” she said. “If we teach children early that their voice matters, they will grow up confident in using it.”

Julie Cushion, Chair of Governors at Fairways and a former colleague of Sir David Amess, reflected on the emotional significance of the occasion. She described the event as something the late MP would have been immensely proud of, particularly given his lifelong dedication to community engagement.

She also pointed to a broader societal impact, noting that introducing children to authentic voting experiences –  complete with official polling booths –  could help address declining voter turnout in later life.

“Hopefully this teaches them how important and precious their vote is,” she said. “It was also inspiring to see so many young girls putting themselves forward as candidates – future leaders in the making.”

As the National Mace Tour continues its journey across the UK, the event at Fairways stands as a compelling example of how Sir David Amess’s legacy is being translated into meaningful action. By empowering children to understand and participate in democracy, the programme is not only honouring his memory, but helping to shape a more engaged and informed generation.

Posted: 28th April 2026