About the Competition

The Cambridge Union Schools Debating Competition 2010/11 The Cambridge Union Schools Debating Competition 2010/11 The Cambridge Union Schools Debating Competition 2010/11

Following the workshops taking place in September (click here for more information), the competition itself is split into following stages. If you want information on our Scotland and Ireland rounds, please click here

1. Regional Rounds

These constitute the first round of the competition, and take place across the country from the end of October and throughout November. These rounds will be adjudicated by our own experienced judges, who include some of the very best university debaters in the world. Extensive feedback, both written and oral, is provided to all speakers to help them improve.

In England and Wales, teams will be split into groups of four and participate in two debates, the first of which being a pre-prepared topic to be released in early October, while the second debate will be a short-preparation motion released fifteen minutes before the state of the debate. The top ranked team will progress through to the Regional Final.

We work hard to make sure rounds are made as convenient as possible for you to attend - they take place with a handful of schools in your local area, and we ask for impossible dates to avoid scheduling on inconvenient dates.

2. Regional Finals

For schools in England and Wales who are victorious in their regional rounds, a regional final will be held in late January/early February. These follow the same format as the regional rounds, with the top team from every four competing earning a place at Final’s Day.

3. Final's Day

This will take place at the Cambridge Union itself, in February, involving three rounds of unprepared debates, followed by semi-finals and the grand final of the competition. Following the main debate, the schools competition finalists will have the opportunity to pit their wits against invited celebrity speakers, who will be debating the same topic.

Additionally, we will be holding a social event on the first evening, where students from all schools can get to know each other in a more informal setting. Accommodation is available in college guest rooms, allowing students to avoid an early start on the first morning!