What is the Great Debate?

The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have 5 minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question.

Over the past couple of years the competition has been growing in size. To encourage as many young people to get involved as possible, and ensure as many local stories as possible are included, we have increased the number of heats and added a semi-final round. All regional heats have now taken place and the semi-finals have concluded, with 21 finalists selected for the final at Windsor Castle on 29 March.

The competition for this year is: How can your local history tell a global story?

Thank you to our hosts

Without the help and support of all the regional heat hosts we wouldn’t be able to run this competition. This year we had 36 heats take place across the UK.

Read more

Good luck to this year's finalists

• Emily, Earlston High School - Edinburgh
• Hannah, Upton Hall - Liverpool
• Rosie, The Maynard School - Exeter
• Isabella, Torquay Girls Grammar School - Devon
• Simona, Ruskin High School - Shavington
• Faye, Withington Girls School - Manchester
• Aimee, Bablake - Virtual
• Cameron, RGS Guildford - Surrey
• Fred, The King's School - Canterbury
• Riya, Newport Girls High School - Birmingham
• Lola, William Farr School - Lincoln
• Laura, Cheltenham Bourneside School - Gloucestershire
• Suzie, Didsbury High School - Cheadle
• Anya, Kendrick School - Reading
• Shruthi, Holt School - Henley
• Wera, Harris Girls Bromley - London
• Quinn, Chesterton Community College - Letchworth
• Zoran, Victoria College - Jersey
• Emilia, St. Peter's School - York
• Jack, Bloxham School - Bloxham
• Lorenza, Ibstock Place - Bermondsey

If you are interested in hosting a heat for the 2026 competition please contact Olivia at olivia.dent@history.org.uk 

Watch the 2024 winner for inspiration

If you have any questions take a look at our FAQs or email greatdebate@history.org.uk