After the success of the debating competitions last term, we’re happy to confirm that that Young Speakers Scotland will be running our full suite of events in 2025/2026. Below you can find general information about these competitions. If you have any further questions please contact Amanda Paton at events@youngspeakersscotland.org.uk.
Schools Mace Competition
Like last year, the first round of the Mace will be a prepared topic and the following two rounds will be impromptu. Preliminary rounds will take place in September and October 2025 at a variety of regional locations. All three preliminary rounds will take place on the same day.
Entry to the Mace will cost £50 per school for state schools. For independent schools the cost is £60 for one team, and £30 for each additional team. Entry forms for the 2025/2026 competition will go live at the end of February 2025.
Public Speaking Competition
Preliminary rounds for the Public Speaking Competition will take place in-person, at a variety of regional locations, in November 2025 for both junior and senior speakers. Entry for the Public Speaking Competition is £30 for one speaker and £15 for each additional speaker entered per school.
The entry form for this year’s Public Speaking Competition will go live at the end of February 2025.
St Andrew’s Debate
The St Andrew’s Debate will also be taking place at the end of November 2025 in Edinburgh. Entry to the St Andrew’s Debate is free. Entry forms will go live at the end of February 2025.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SLOTS FOR THE ST ANDREW’S DEBATE. MAKE SURE YOU FILL-IN THE ENTRY FORM EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at events@youngspeakersscotland.org.uk.
The finals of the Schools Mace Competition 2023, held at the Faculty of Advocates.