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What were the results of the Brexit referendum?
I can explain the outcome of the referendum on our relationship with the European Union.
Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
What were the results of the Brexit referendum?
I can explain the outcome of the referendum on our relationship with the European Union.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 2016, the UK’s EU referendum had a close, divisive result, unlike typical clear-cut referendums.
- The results varied across the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to remain in the EU.
- Regional differences emerged in the vote, with patterns tied to demographics such as age influencing the results.
Keywords
Voter turnout - the number of registered voters who actually vote in an election or referendum
Divisive - creating disunity or disharmony
Demographic - statistics linked to the population or parts of the population, such as age
Common misconception
The Brexit result was overwhelmingly in favour of Brexit.
The result was very close which is not typical of referendums. Many factors played a part including age, region and education.
Encourage pupils to explore how regional and demographic factors influenced voting patterns in the referendum. This helps develop critical thinking by considering how different groups' views can shape political outcomes.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is the most common form of democracy?
Which is the most common form of democracy?
presidential
constitutional
Q2.A referendum is an example of democracy, where people vote on issues of national, regional, or local importance.
A referendum is an example of democracy, where people vote on issues of national, regional, or local importance.
Q3.What was one of Vote Leave’s key arguments for leaving the EU?
What was one of Vote Leave’s key arguments for leaving the EU?
to stop all trade with the EU
to avoid making new agreements
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q5.Democracy is a system of government where power is rooted in the .
Democracy is a system of government where power is rooted in the .
Q6.What did Vote Remain argue about being in the EU’s single market?
What did Vote Remain argue about being in the EU’s single market?
It makes trade harder and more expensive for businesses.
It stops UK businesses from trading internationally.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of direct democracy?
Which of the following is an example of direct democracy?
electing representatives to Parliament
a Prime Minister making decisions alone
Parliament passing a new bill
Q2.What does voter turnout refer to?
What does voter turnout refer to?
the number of people eligible to vote
the number of people who don't vote
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q4.Regional differences emerged in the vote, with patterns tied to __________.
Regional differences emerged in the vote, with patterns tied to __________.
climate
political campaigns
Q5.How was the 2016 referendum result different from typical referendums?
How was the 2016 referendum result different from typical referendums?
It was overwhelmingly one-sided.
It was decided by voter turnout alone.
Q6.Which was not a focus of Vote Leave's campaign?
Which was not a focus of Vote Leave's campaign?
gaining more control over laws and money
strengthening the UK's national identity
