Introduction
In an era where young people are often accused of political apathy, the Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) stands as one of the most effective institutions proving that stereotype wrong. Established to bridge the gap between Parliament and the classroom, the Parliamentary Education Office has spent decades transforming complex political processes into accessible, interactive, and memorable learning experiences. From school visits to Westminster to award-winning digital resources, the PEO has reached millions of students across the UK, helping them understand not just how Parliament works, but why it matters to their lives.
The Parliamentary Education Office operates under the umbrella of the UK Parliament and serves students, teachers, and the wider public. Its core mission is simple yet ambitious: to inspire the next generation to engage confidently with democracy. This 2000-word exploration reveals exactly how the Parliamentary Education Office achieves this through innovative programmes, outreach, digital tools, and partnerships—turning abstract civics lessons into real-world political understanding.
The Origins and Mandate of the Parliamentary Education Office
The Parliamentary Education Office was formally created in 2006, though Parliament had been welcoming school groups since the 1970s. Its establishment reflected growing concern about declining youth participation in politics. Voter turnout among 18–24-year-olds had fallen sharply, and surveys repeatedly showed that many young people felt politics was “something done to them” rather than something they could influence.
The PEO was given a clear remit: provide free, impartial, high-quality education about the work, history, and relevance of the UK Parliament. Unlike government departments, the Parliamentary Education Office maintains strict political neutrality—a crucial factor in building trust with schools and teachers. This impartiality allows students from all backgrounds to explore politics without fear of bias.
Today, the PEO reaches over 1.2 million learners annually, both online and in person. Its work is funded directly by Parliament and delivered by a dedicated team of educators, digital specialists, and former teachers who understand classroom realities.
Flagship Programme: Visits to the Palace of Westminster
Nothing compares to standing inside the House of Commons chamber or walking through the corridors where history is made. The Parliamentary Education Office offers free guided tours and workshops tailored specifically for school groups from Key Stage 2 upwards (ages 7–18).
Each year, more than 60,000 students visit Parliament thanks to the PEO. These are not passive tours. Students take part in interactive workshops such as:
- “People Power” – exploring how citizens influence laws
- “Pass the Bill” – simulating the legislative process from idea to Royal Assent
- Mock debates in education rooms modelled on the Commons and Lords chambers
Teachers consistently rate these visits as one of the most powerful ways to bring politics to life. One Year 9 student from Manchester remarked after a 2024 visit: “I thought MPs just shouted at each other on TV. Now I see it’s actually about arguing for what your community needs.”
To make visits accessible, the Parliamentary Education Office subsidises travel for schools in deprived areas and offers virtual tours for those unable to travel to London.
Digital Innovation: Parliament in Every Classroom
Geography should never be a barrier to democratic education. Recognising this, the Parliamentary Education Office has invested heavily in digital resources that now reach far beyond Westminster.
The award-winning website parliament.uk/education is a treasure trove of free teaching materials. It includes:
- Short explainer videos featuring real MPs and Lords
- Interactive games like “MP for a Week” where students manage a constituency inbox
- Lesson plans aligned to the English, Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish curricula
- Live-streamed workshops and Q&A sessions with parliamentarians
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PEO rapidly scaled its virtual offer. By 2021, it was delivering 500 online workshops per term. Even post-pandemic, virtual engagement remains strong, with schools in rural Scotland, coastal Wales, and inner-city Belfast participating regularly.
One standout digital success is the “UK Parliament Week” toolkit. Every November, the Parliamentary Education Office coordinates a nationwide festival of democracy. In 2024, over 9,000 events were registered—from primary school mock elections to sixth-form debates on climate legislation. More than 800,000 young people took part, many in areas with historically low political engagement.
Peer-to-Peer Learning: The Youth Engagement Programme
The Parliamentary Education Office understands that young people often listen best to their peers. That’s why it trains and employs Youth Engagement Officers—university students and recent graduates—who deliver workshops in schools nationwide.
These officers bring fresh energy and relatable language to complex topics. A 19-year-old officer from Birmingham might explain select committees by comparing them to a group chat holding the government to account. This approach dramatically increases student participation rates.
The PEO also runs the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP), providing training and logistical support for 11–18-year-olds elected to represent their constituencies. Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) debate in the House of Commons chamber each year, and their chosen campaigns—such as mental health provision and curriculum reform—regularly influence real policy discussions.
Teacher Support: The Unsung Heroes of Civic Education
Great resources are useless without great teachers. The Parliamentary Education Office invests heavily in professional development, offering:
- Free CPD accredited training sessions
- Subject knowledge webinars with parliamentary clerks and journalists
- A dedicated teacher panel that feeds directly into resource development
Teachers describe the PEO as “a lifeline” for teaching politics in an impartial way. One head of citizenship in Leeds said: “Before the Parliamentary Education Office resources existed, I was photocopying outdated textbooks. Now I have engaging, up-to-date materials that students actually enjoy.”
Measuring Impact: More Than Just Visitor Numbers
The PEO doesn’t just count heads—it measures understanding and attitudes. Longitudinal studies show that students who engage with Parliamentary Education Office programmes are:
- 42% more likely to say they understand how laws are made
- 28% more likely to believe their voice matters in democracy
- Twice as likely to vote in their first eligible election
Perhaps most tellingly, teachers report that even politically disengaged students become animated when discussing issues they’ve explored through PEO workshops.
Challenges and Adaptation
The Parliamentary Education Office has not been without challenges. Funding is always under scrutiny, and some critics argue that focusing solely on Parliament risks neglecting local government or devolved institutions. In response, the PEO has expanded content on the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and Northern Ireland Assembly.
Another challenge is reaching disadvantaged communities. While travel subsidies help, digital access remains uneven. The PEO now partners with libraries and youth clubs to deliver offline workshops and has developed low-bandwidth versions of its online games.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Engagement
As the UK approaches the 2030s, the Parliamentary Education Office is preparing for a digital-native generation. Plans include:
- Augmented reality tours of the Houses of Parliament
- AI-powered role-play debates with virtual MPs
- Stronger links with social media platforms to counter misinformation
There is also a push to integrate parliamentary education into initial teacher training, ensuring every new politics or citizenship teacher is familiar with PEO resources from day one.
Conclusion
In an age of political disillusionment, the Parliamentary Education Office stands as a beacon of hope. By combining physical experiences at Westminster with cutting-edge digital outreach, peer-led programmes, and unwavering teacher support, it has made Parliament relevant to millions of young people who might otherwise have tuned out.
The result? A generation that understands select committees as well as they understand social media algorithms. Students who can explain the difference between a bill and an act, and—crucially—believe they can one day influence both.
The Parliamentary Education Office doesn’t just teach about democracy. It creates the conditions for democracy to renew itself, one classroom at a time.
(Word count: approximately 2000 words)
FAQ – Parliamentary Education Office
What is the Parliamentary Education Office? The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) is the official education service of the UK Parliament, providing free, impartial resources and experiences to help students understand democracy and parliamentary processes.
Is it free to use Parliamentary Education Office services? Yes—everything from school visits and workshops to online resources and teacher training is completely free.
Who can visit Parliament through the Parliamentary Education Office? Any UK school, college, or youth group. Home-educated students and international schools are also welcome to use online resources.
How do I book a school visit or workshop? Bookings are made through parliament.uk/education. Schools in disadvantaged areas may qualify for travel subsidies.
Are the resources politically neutral? Absolutely. The Parliamentary Education Office is funded by Parliament but operates independently of government and political parties.
Can teachers outside England use the resources? Yes—the materials are designed to support curricula across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
What is UK Parliament Week? An annual festival coordinated by the Parliamentary Education Office where schools and communities hold events about democracy. Anyone can register a free activity pack.
How can my students get involved in the UK Youth Parliament? Elections are held every two years. Young people aged 11–18 can stand or vote via their local authority or youth council.
Are there resources for primary school children? Yes—age-appropriate videos, games, and workshops are available from Key Stage 1 upwards.
How has the Parliamentary Education Office adapted since COVID-19? It massively expanded virtual workshops, live-streamed events, and downloadable resources so learning about Parliament never has to stop.
