Chester High Schools competed again in our debating competition, Youth Speaks – a Debate. This was the fourth year of running these competitions, part of the national Rotary youth programme.

As in previous years, we held an Intermediate debate for students aged 11-13 years, and a seniors debate for 14-17 year olds. 5 schools competed over the 2 heats – The King’s School Chesteer, Queen’s School, Upton High School, Blacon High School and The Hammond School.

Debate subjects were chosen by the students, who delivered the pros and cons of their arguments in a team of 3 – chair, propose and opposer.

Subjects debated included:

• This House believes that the media should be censored
•  The House believes that zoos are necessary for society’
• Should the UK become a cashless society? 
• Should phones be banned in schools?
• Will the benefits of AI outweigh its risks?
• Should schools teach more about Black History and other minority groups?
• We believe that the monarchy remains a relevant institution in modern Britain
• The Symbolism of Flags – National Pride or National Prejudice?
• This House believes beauty pageants are harmful to society  

The venue this year was the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chester, and our judges came from the local clergy and Chester Speaking Club. Heat winners were the Queen’s School and Upton High School, who progressed to the next round. This was held at Wrexham in March 2026, and Uptron High School once again won that competition.

The competition is open to all Chester High Schools – more information about the competition format can be found at the Rotary GB&I Youth page.

Please contact us if you would like more information about our youth competitons.