The Scottish National Team

The Scottish National Team is not part of YSS remit. For more information on these events, please contact scottishdebatingteam@gmail.com.

Part of their work involves identifying and training talented debaters who will go on to represent Scotland at the World Championships. Scotland has historically performed very well at this prestigious competition and we are keen to see this continue into the future. We believe that, for the team to operate at its best, it should represent young people from all corners of Scotland.

Each year, Scottish Schools Debating selects pupils from across the country to take part in free expert-led coaching and engaging practice sessions. Their programme is designed to challenge students at every level – from those just beginning their debating journey to experienced competitors aiming for national and international success. We offer two streams:

  • Training Squad – Our main pathway to the National Team. 24 pupils train online each week and compete for a place on the five-person team representing Scotland at the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) in Kenya in July 2026.
  • Junior Squad – For pupils in S1-S4, focusing on building skills in a supportive, lower-pressure environment through two training days a term (at least one in-person in Edinburgh).
Scottish Schools Debating welcome applications from any pupil at a Scottish school, regardless of prior experience. In fact, several of their most successful debaters started with no debating background, including members of the 2024 World Champion team.They are looking for pupils who are curious, willing to learn, able to think critically, and hard working.

If you are aware of pupils at your school who might be interested in taking up this opportunity, or a teacher who would be best placed to find these pupils, please contact scottishdebatingteam@gmail.com.

 

There will be no cost to trialists’ schools and no time requirements from teachers. Scottish Schools Debating will cover the costs of attending WSDC for those selected to the National Team.