Sutton Schools Debates 2026: Two gifted young debaters from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School won the coveted trophy at this year’s Sutton Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition, after their well-articulated arguments wowed the audience and judges alike.
The much-anticipated annual competition, which was first established in 2003 by MP Sir Andrew Mitchell, returned on Thursday 26 March, this year hosted by Sutton Coldfield College as last year’s winners.
The competition brought together talented budding politicians from eight Sutton Coldfield schools to debate on a wide range of relevant topics, ranging from trade tariffs and digital IDs to the British monarchy and artificial intelligence.
And while all sixteen participants debated excellently, it was Liam Cunningham and Taban Wains from Bishop Vesey who walked away with the win.
In their first round, the Vesey team proposed that the UK government’s current net zero targets are unrealistic and an alternative must be drafted. Liam highlighted the need for a smoother transition into a green economy, while Taban excellently argued that economic stability is a pressing issue in today’s political climate.
Their second round saw students debate unseen motions assigned to them on the night, with just 20 minutes to prepare their arguments beforehand.
Taban and Liam opposed the motion ‘The British monarchy should be abolished’, making powerful arguments invoking the importance of tradition, the Church of England and Commonwealth alliances.
Sutton Coldfield College’s Evie Jennens and Callum Pritchard snatched the runners-up trophy with their animated arguments, while Oliver Murdoch from Fairfax Academy took home the prize for Best Individual Speaker.
Students excelled at Sutton Schools Debates 2026
All of the young debaters greatly impressed the judges’ panel, this year consisting of Gary Phelps, President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce; Claire Bridges, Chair of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust; and Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
Dagen Thompson, Vice Principal of Sutton Coldfield College, said: “It was a privilege to host the debating competition this year, and I was blown away by the courage and skill of the young debaters.
“In a time when misinformation is everywhere and the truth is often hard to find, debate is more important now than ever.
“When these young speakers stepped up to the podium, they weren’t just practicing how to debate, but how to formulate, articulate and communicate their opinions, which is absolutely vital. They all did their schools very proud.”
Sir Andrew Mitchell, the evening’s compere, was also proud of the talent on display at the competition.
He said: “Once again I was blown away by the courage, intellect and imagination of the students who took part in the debating contest.
“I want to thank Sutton College for hosting, all the schools who took part, the parents who came along to support their children and most of all the young debaters who contributed to such and enjoyable evening.
“I look forward to welcoming them all to Westminster – to see real parliamentary debating in action.”
The schools involved in the contest were The Arthur Terry School, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Bishop Walsh Catholic School, Fairfax Academy, the Royal Sutton School, Plantsbrook School, Sutton Coldfield College and Sutton Coldfield Girls’ Grammar School.
All of the brilliant participants will be given a tour of the House of Commons by Sir Andrew later this year, to see real parliamentary debates in action.
Sutton Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition will be hosted by Bishop Vesey, as this year’s winners.