News

On Wednesday October 8th, Kenilworth School and Sixth Form played host to the KMAT Great Debate. This was the competition’s second year running, and the event did not disappoint.

There were twelve schools left in the final where once twenty-four schools had put themselves forward to compete. By the end of the morning, there would be a winning school, and by morning’s end we would know who the greatest debater in Coventry and Warwickshire would be…

Debaters entered the arena to the sound of deafening cheers and Enter Sandman, giving these students a moment they would never forget. As the dust settled, KMAT’s CEO introduced the final.
 
“This isn’t a normal debate,” Mr Abbott said in his programme notes “what is particular about our competition is that we draw on the spontaneity and creativity of debating in a relatively informal context. Additionally, our debaters can draw upon the support and ideas of their peers around the discussion, creating an atmosphere and energy unlike any other public speaking competition”

Once the introductions were out of the way, the twenty-four judges made their way down and took their place, guided by Kenilworth’s Key Stage 5 leadership team. These judges comprised members of the local political parties, prominent members of the local business community, retired teachers from across Warwickshire, and representatives from Warwick University. Once they were comfortably seated, the debaters and their assistants descended into the arena to the sound of a motivational soundtrack and a vibrant light show.

The debaters had all prepared for the competition before arriving, but they wouldn’t know which debate they were having until the opening of a five-minute preparatory window before each debate. They would also learn which side of the debate they would be taking, and whether they would start. Debaters from across the schools eagerly reached for their pre-prepared notes and bounced ideas off their peers. School Staff nervously paced around the edges of the competition, unable to intervene, and quietly living and breathing every moment with their students.

When the debating began, the assistants stepped back, and the natural born orators took over. The discussions were ferocious. This was a room full of highly motivated students, all of whom were determined to show their quality. Nobody took a backward step.

After five rounds of intense debating, the group stages closed, and the knockout stages began.
Emotions ran high. Everyone wanted to make it through to the next round, but only a few could do so. Gradually, the numbers were whittled down until there were only two remaining…

Louise Price of Kenilworth School and Abbey McCabe of Blue Coat Church of England School were the finalists. As they were briefed in the use of the lapel-microphones, an expectant hush fell over the watching crowd. The final debate would take place in silence as the knowledgeable audience watched on expectantly.

After the last point was uttered, and the final counterargument framed, Louise was declared winner of the individual competition, with Abbey coming in a deserving second place. Micah Wiratunga of Warwick School and Ella Tipple of Polesworth School finished in joint third place. 

Finham Park School took home the shield as winners of the School Competition, beating Kenilworth School into second place by a single point. Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, finished in third place.

When the lights dimmed and the sound of Bittersweet Symphony subsided, everyone was able to walk away from the experience with a smile on their face. They had just experienced a public speaking competition like no other. 

Well done to everyone that took part, and we sincerely hope to see you all again next year, at The KMAT Great Debate 2026.