Congratulations to the Shiplake College Debate Team, who delivered an impressive performance at the ESU Mace regional round, held on Monday at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School. The competition brought together six schools, all vying for just one coveted place in the next stage of this prestigious national debating tournament.
Representing Shiplake were Kit Marsh, Kitty Calow and James Middlehurst, who worked exceptionally well as a team throughout the evening. They presented their arguments with clarity, confidence and composure, engaging thoughtfully with both the motion and the challenges posed by opposing schools. Their speeches were well‑structured, their responses sharp, and their teamwork evident at every stage.
Although the team narrowly missed progressing to the next round, it was clear they were very close to breaking through. Staff and judges alike praised the quality of their reasoning and delivery, and all three students should feel proud of how strongly they represented Shiplake.Mr Player, who organised Shiplake’s participation, praised the students’ efforts, commenting: "a wonderful performance and I think they were really close to breaking through. They argued confidently and clearly and were really unlucky not to go on."
The English-Speaking Union (ESU) Schools’ Mace is the UK’s oldest and largest debating competition for schools.The 2026 competition retains the traditional structure: two speakers, supported by a third researcher or reserve, tackling motions on current affairs, ethical issues and public policy within a proposition‑versus‑opposition format that highlights reasoned argument, effective refutation and clear communication.
Regional rounds—such as the one at Borlase—are exceptionally competitive, with only the winning school progressing to the next stage. With six schools competing for a single qualifying spot, this year’s round was particularly challenging, making Shiplake’s strong showing all the more commendable.
