Catmose College students have been crowned the winners for the first Rutland and Melton Schools Debating Competition held in Parliament at the end of March 2023.

On Friday 31 March, Alicia Kearns MP welcomed six local schools to Parliament for the inaugural Rutland and Melton Schools Debating Competition. 

Schools in attendance were Catmose College, Harrington School, Long Field Spencer Academy, John Ferneley College, Casterton College and Melton Vale Sixth Form College.

Each school took part in two debates, before the highest scoring teams went through to the final debate on the topic of whether everyone should have the right to assisted dying.  

The overall competition was won by Catmose College, with Harrington School finishing as the runners up by just one point.

Catmose College students celebrating their victory, pictures with Ms Kearns. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

The students debated topics such as human cloning, the future of the monarchy, and freedom of speech in the Grand Committee Room, the room in the Palace of Westminster used by MPs to debate many of the same topics.

Alicia judged the competition alongside Edward Argar MP, former High Sheriff of Rutland Geoff Thompson, and Baroness Berridge of the Vale of Catmose.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said: "It was a real pleasure to judge such lively and engaging debates, with some really fantastic points put forward by our students. No one appeared phased by the intimidating setting of the Grand Committee and Jubilee Room, and I was so impressed by the standard of debating across a wide range of topics, some of which were really challenging.

"Debating and public speaking skills are so important for our young people to master, and it is a vital life skill to be able to put forward an argument effectively and articulately. We should be so proud to have such exceptional young people in our communities. 

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the teachers who helped make the day happen, and enormous congratulations to Catmose College who were the very deserving winners, it was an extremely close final!"

 Edward Argar, Member of Parliament for Charnwood said: "It was a real pleasure to join Alicia as a judge for her Rutland and Melton Schools Debating Competition in Parliament. Everyone taking part was of an incredibly high standard, debating with confidence and real ability, and they should all be very proud of themselves. Based on what we heard, I wouldn't be surprised if there were future MPs amongst them!"

Geoff Thompson, High Sheriff of Rutland 2022-3 said: "I was delighted to see an incredibly high standard from all the schools involved. Everyone entered into the debates with arguments that were well-prepared, professionally delivered and argued with respect for their opponents. It was a close competition and I hope everyone benefitted from the experience. With thanks to Alicia Kearns and her team for making this happen and I hope this is the first of many."

The runner ups from Harrington. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

Baroness Berridge of the Vale of Catmose said: "It was an honour to see the talent and excellence of Rutland and Melton children debating in Parliament. They were not overcome by the venue, clearly they were well prepared and enjoyed the occasion.

"Many thanks to their teachers and everybody for preparing them, and to Alicia Kearns and her team for organising such an amazing event. I look forward to next year!"

Pupils from every school were presented with participation certificates by Alicia and the winners and runners up also received shields. 

Pupils finished the competition with a tour of the Houses of Parliament, learning more about the history of the architecture of the building and the day-to-day role of a Member of Parliament.