Silverware and Strong Performances for RGS Debating Society

Following their impressive performance at the Oxford Regional round, RGS Worcester’s Debating team travelled to Nottingham on Saturday 7 February for a demanding day of competition featuring four preliminary rounds and a series of closely contested finals at the Nottingham Schools Debating competition.

The highlight of the tournament was the outstanding achievement of Sixth Form students Gabby Hailwood and Henry De Bono, who qualified for the Silver Final after delivering consistently strong performances throughout the day. Demonstrating sharp rhetoric, persuasive reasoning and composure under pressure, the pair secured victory in the final to claim the Silver Prize, a superb accomplishment at a highly competitive event.

RGS Worcester also demonstrated impressive depth across the team, with three of the School’s six pairs progressing to their respective category finals. Zac Johnson and Toby Prendergast reached the Bronze Final, building on their strong form from the Oxford competition round, while Andrew Smith and Albert Blinston earned a place in the Novice Final, a particularly encouraging achievement for a partnership at an early stage in their Debating careers.

The Nottingham tournament provided valuable competitive experience for several newer members of the squad. Holly Hughes and Holly Prudence, Joyce Li and Cerys Hickman, and Izzy Vellacott and Eva Young all made their mark across the four rounds, embracing the challenge of a full-day tournament with maturity and determination.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Debating Society now looks ahead to the Oxford Schools Final and the Cambridge Regional round in March.

Mr A Pardoe‑Davies, Head of Debating and History, House Leader for Ottley