Competitions

After the success of the debating competitions last term, we’re happy to confirm 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.

Training Day – Saturday 6th September 2025

We will be running a free training day at Currie Community High School in Edinburgh.

This will provide an opportunity for debaters to refresh their skills before the years’ competitions begin. The day will start with a series of fun, interactive workshops and culminate in a practice debate, after which participants will receive in-depth feedback.

The aim of the day is to refresh debating skills and give pupils confidence going into any competitions. Moreover, the timing of the day will coincide with the application period for the Scottish National Schools Debating Team, as well as the development teams for this structure. Debaters will benefit greatly from this Training Day if they are busy with their applications.

Click here to register for the Training Day.

Schools’ Mace

Our flagship debating competition moves to the British Parliamentary (BP) format this year, with teams of two participating in three debates over one day.
Open to S3–S6 pupils.
Preliminary rounds take place in Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Thurso, Dingwall, and Ayrshire.

Click here for more information.
Click here to enter the Schools’ Mace.

 

Public Speaking Competition

This year’s competition introduces two exciting divisions in both our Junior (S1–S3) and Senior (S4–S6) categories:

• Persuasive Speaking, for serious, problem–solution style speeches
• After-Dinner Speaking, for humorous speeches aimed at fictional audiences

Preliminary round: 15th November 2025, Fettes College, Edinburgh
Final: 14th March 2026, Nicholson Square, Edinburgh

Click here for more information.
Click here to enter the Public Speaking Competition.

St Andrew’s Day Debate – Saturday 29th November 2025

Our most exciting annual debate returns this November, giving pupils the chance to speak at the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh. This event is particularly well suited to novice debaters. Entry is free, but spaces are limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Schools may enter only one team of two debaters.

Click here for more information.
Click here to enter the St Andrew’s Day Debate.