Champions Chesterton Community College

Champions Chesterton Sixth Form Have the Last Word

The Rotary Club of Cambridge Rutherford is celebrating the outstanding success of a team of students from Chesterton Sixth Form, who have been crowned Regional Champions in Rotary GB & Ireland’s annual Youth Speaks public speaking and debating competition.

The victory marks the culmination of an impressive journey through three increasingly challenging rounds of competition, demonstrating not only the students’ debating ability but also their confidence, teamwork and resilience.

The Youth Speaks competition has been organised by Rotary clubs across Britain and Ireland for many years to encourage young people to develop the communication, leadership and critical thinking skills that are increasingly valuable in education, employment and everyday life.

A winning journey

The competition began with the Cambridge heat, hosted by the Rotary Club of Cambridge Rutherford. Six teams from schools and sixth forms across the city competed, with Chesterton Sixth Form represented by Lillybetty, Rui and Abby.

Each team was required to chair, propose and oppose a motion of its own choosing, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate clear communication, persuasive argument and the ability to think on their feet.

Their impressive performance earned them victory and a place at the District Final, held in the prestigious Norfolk County Council Chambers in Norwich, where they competed against schools from across East Anglia. Another polished display secured a second successive win and a place in the Regional Final.

Tackling a challenging question

The Regional Final brought together the best teams from across the region, including finalists from Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Chesterton debated the thought-provoking motion:

“Much Ado about Nothing? To what extent should we hold artists of the past accountable?”

The judges praised the team’s originality, humour and well-constructed arguments, leading to a third consecutive victory and the Regional Championship title.

A proud achievement

Neil Jones of Chesterton Community College and Sixth Form praised the students’ achievement:

“We’re extremely proud of the team. They have shown exceptional commitment and determination throughout the competition, and this success is a just reward for all the hard work they have put into developing their debating skills. Spoken debate remains hugely important in society—especially when online debate has become so fraught—and it is fantastic to see young people embracing and excelling in it.”

Martin Tyson, speaking on behalf of the Rotary Club of Cambridge Rutherford, said:

“Our club has organised the Youth Speaks competition for more than 25 years, and Chesterton is the most successful team ever to emerge from our local heat. Their creativity, confidence and ability to argue both for and against their motion demonstrated remarkable maturity. We are absolutely delighted for them and wish all three students every success in the future.”

Why Youth Speaks matters

For more than 25 years, the Rotary Club of Cambridge Rutherford has been proud to organise the local Youth Speaks competition, providing young people with an opportunity to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their education, careers and personal lives.

Public speaking, careful listening, respectful debate and critical thinking have never been more important. Competitions like Youth Speaks help young people build confidence while learning to express and defend ideas thoughtfully and respectfully.

Congratulations once again to Lillybetty, Rui and Abby on a remarkable achievement and for representing both Chesterton Sixth Form and Cambridge with such distinction.

The 2026 competition starts at Queens’ College on the evening of Thursday 26 November.