Schools Celebrate Inspiring Final of Annual Interschool Debating Competition

Pupils from across the Forfar Education family of schools came together recently for the final of the annual Interschool Debating Competition, culminating in an exciting and closely contested online debate between St. Helen’s College and Brackenfield School, Harrogate.

Ten schools from across the UK took part in this year’s competition, which was established to strengthen connections across the group and to provide pupils with opportunities to collaborate, challenge one another and grow in confidence. After a series of competitive preliminary rounds, the two finalist teams met to debate the motion: ‘If children ran the world it would be a better place.’

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Both teams demonstrated impressive preparation, clarity of thought and the ability to respond spontaneously to challenging questions. Arguing against the motion, the team from St. Helen’s College presented a well-structured and carefully reasoned case, working cohesively to address points raised by both the judges and their opponents. In an exceptionally close final, St. Helen’s College were named overall winners, with Brackenfield School commended for their equally thoughtful and persuasive performance.

The final was chaired by Mrs. Jo Storey, Country Director UK at Forfar Education. The judging panel included Mrs. Jessica Miles, Head of Badminton School; Mrs. Caroline Wethey, retired Head of a CoEd Preparatory School; and Mr. Alex Brough, Assistant Director of Education at Forfar Education. Judges praised both teams for the breadth and flow of their arguments, their attentive listening, and their ability to respond with composure and respect under pressure.

Judges Praise Depth, Composure and Respectful Challenge

Reflecting on the event, Mrs. Storey commented:

“Events like the Forfar Debating Competition do far more than crown a winner. They bring our schools together and give pupils the opportunity to develop confidence, critical thinking and the ability to articulate and challenge ideas thoughtfully.”

A hallmark of the competition is its emphasis on educational enrichment beyond the classroom. Through participating, pupils develop a wide range of transferable skills, including public speaking, teamwork, research, resilience and the ability to think on their feet. The competition also supports meaningful connections between pupils from different Forfar schools, helping them to feel part of a wider learning community.

Behind each debating team stood supportive peers and staff who contributed to research, rehearsals and preparation throughout the earlier rounds. This collaborative approach reflects the strength of belonging to a group of schools: sharing expertise, raising aspirations and celebrating collective achievement.

The Forfar Education Interschool Debating Competition continues to be a powerful example of how collaboration across the group enhances educational opportunities for all pupils. Congratulations go to St. Helen’s College on their success, to Brackenfield School for reaching the final for the second year running with another superb performance, and to every school that took part in this year’s competition.

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