Young Speakers Scotland runs two single-speaker public speaking competitions each year:

• A Senior Division for pupils in S4–S6

• A Junior Division for pupils in S1–S3

All speakers will deliver a 5-minute speech.

2025/2026 COMPETITION

Entry for the Public Speaking Competition is £30 for one speaker, and £15 for each additional speaker entered per school. Click here to enter.

Preliminary rounds will take place on 15th November 2025 at Fettes College, Edinburgh

The Grand Final will take place on 14th March 2026 at Nicholson Square, Edinburgh. There will be four Finals held on the day — one for each combination of age group and speaking format. That means there will be a Junior and Senior Final for Persuasive Speaking, and a Junior and Senior Final for After-Dinner Speaking. A winner will be named in each category.

Speakers who qualify for the final will be asked to prepare a new speech for the event.

If your school is new to public speaking competitions, or would like support in preparing pupils, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re happy to help!