Our debating programmes
Debate England is responsible for the selection and coaching of the national schools debating team for England, and for England’s proud tradition of success at the World Schools Debating Championships since 1988.
Debate England runs two programmes to ensure the best young debaters across England have the opportunity to represent their country on the international stage, regardless of background. We work with schools and teachers to inspire and support all young people, aiming for open access to the chance to debate at a global level and ensuring each team is diverse and representative.
Team England
Our flagship programme:
Every year, a team of 4-5 students currently attending school in England are selected to represent England at international competitions, culminating in the World Schools Debating Championships.
Team England is one of the most successful countries in the world: we won the tournament in 2014 and 2016, and the best speaker in the world came from England in 2014 and 2017.
The composition of Team England is typically announced in January each year.
Development Squads
As part of Debate England’s commitment to widening access to world-class debate coaching and ensuring that the national team is truly representative of England’s school debaters, Debate England operates six development squads, of six students each, to support those who show potential to develop their skills ready for the next round of selections.
Each squad, of six students, receives 18 hours of world class coaching from one of our expert mentors, is invited to every Team England general knowledge lecture, and practices against the team.
Debate England 