Students from The Portsmouth Academy triumph in debate competition

A team of our Year 7 and Year 9 students were recently crowned champions of The Big Debate 2026; a competition designed to challenge communication and presenting skills. 

The event was run by UNLOC, an organisation which empowers young people to become changemakers. Facing competition from 13 other schools across the city, our students impressed with their performance and ability to think on their feet. 

Without knowing which side they’d have to defend until the day itself, students discussed social media restrictions, renewable energy, and Portsmouth’s City of Culture bid, taking place later this decade. 

This saw our students think critically about topics which matter to them, including how to articulate and deliver a compelling argument in favour of or against it. 

After each team was scored for their performances, The Portsmouth Academy secured a top two finish, giving our team a chance to secure victory against The Petersfield School in the final. 

It was a closely contested battle on whether artificial intelligence tools should be banned from the classroom, with the judge crowning us as the winners, due to the delivery of our opening and closing statements. 

Many of the team had never spoken in front of a live audience before, which pushed them out of their comfort zone to grow and develop. 

Speaking about their experience taking part in The Big Debate, Dara was grateful for the opportunity to meet with other schools, while Kayla said it was ‘one of the best experiences of my life’. 

Our students didn’t just have to present their arguments to the opposing team and the judge, as over 70 people were in the room watching the action unfold. 

Our Reading Champion, Ms Carter, supporting the students throughout The Big Debate. She felt extremely proud to see their confidence and hard work recognised. 

"It's been a real pleasure to work with these students and for them to win the competition is a fantastic celebration of student voice.  

“They showed courage, confidence and resilience to prepare and deliver strong arguments around important issues which they feel so passionately about. 

"They'll take so much more from this experience than winning; it will give them the self-belief they need so they can be their best self at school and beyond". 

At The Portsmouth Academy, extra-curricular opportunities are fundamental in helping our students become active citizens. 

Discover how students use their voice at our Open Event on Thursday 1st October 2026, from 6pm-8pm.