If you would like to set up a debate club in your school, we’ve compiled some resources below to get you started. You can also refer to our guides to different debating formats (World Schools and British Parliamentary), our glossary of debate terms, and our calendar of upcoming UK competitions.

School Debate Coaches UK: This is a closed Facebook group for UK teachers in charge of debate clubs, debate coaches, and university debaters.

Cambridge Union Guide to Setting Up a Secondary School Debating Society: This is a guide to the logistical considerations behind setting up a debating society (e.g., when to run sessions, student leadership, competitions, etc.), along with a list of suggested activities, motions, and videos.

ESU Guide to Setting Up a Debate Club: This is a guide to the logistical considerations behind setting up a debating society (e.g., how to recruit pupils, resources needed), along with a detailed lesson plan for the club’s first session.

Not the Easy Way Guide to Setting Up a Debate Club: This guide provides suggested lesson plans for the club’s first and second sessions, as well as suggestions for what the club could focus on in the future.

Debating Matters Guide to What to Set Up: This webpage provides a suggested 10-week outline for structuring debate club meetings.

Newcastle University A-Level Debating Pack: This pack contains suggested classroom activities and tips for setting up classroom debates; these activities can also be used in a debate club.

UK Parliament Secondary Debating Resource: This pack contains ideas and classroom activities to help pupils develop debating skills; these activities can also be used in a debate club.

Speak Up Scotland programme: If you are from a state school in Scotland, Young Speakers Scotland helps schools set up their debate clubs and runs free workshops for S1-S6 pupils.