What is the Great Debate? The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have 5 minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question. Over the past couple of years the competition has been growing in size, to encourages many young people to get involved as possible...

Winner:  Emma Crow of Broxburn Academy, Broxburn, Scotland  Runners up:  Abigail Powers of The Ladies’ College, Guernsey  Erica Wright of William Farr School, Lincolnshire  Rachel McGarry of Shavington Academy, Crewe, Cheshire  Finalists Sofia Ntege, North Oxfordshire Academy, Banbury Harry Gray, Exeter School, Exeter Rhea Cherrington, Bablake School, Coventry Molly Grimshaw,...

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Great Debate and the logistics of the heats. If you need more information, you can get in touch with us directly at greatdebate@history.org.uk. How does the debate work? Each student will have five minutes to deliver their argument in response to the...