Womble Bond Dickinson / Leeds Salon Years 10&11 Debating Competition 2026 Final

Wednesday 1st April 2026

The final takes place at the Womble Bond Dickinson Leeds offices between the four qualifying round winners
This is the 13th year of the competition, which uses the Debating Matters format

Prize Sponsors: Royal Armouries Museum | IDEA: The Ethics Centre | UKREiiF | Debating Matters
15:00 – DEBATE 1: Unhealthy lifestyles are not the business of government

FOR
Abbey Grange CofE Academy
AGAINST
Guiseley School

JUDGES
Robbie Arrell, IDEA: The Ethics Centre
Razvan Popa, Womble Bond Dickinson
Name, org
16:10 – DEBATE 2: We should build on the green belt

FOR
Carr Manor Community School
AGAINST
Mount St Mary’s Catholic High

JUDGES
Dan Clayton, The Leeds Salon
Ruby Hornsby, org
Name, org
17:15 – BREAK
17:40 – FINAL: Britain should pay reparations for its colonial past

FOR
Winner of Debate 1
AGAINST
Winner of Debate 2

JUDGES
John Connor, Womble Bond Dickinson
Nat Edwards, Royal Armouries Museum
Name, org
18:45-19:15 – RESULTS
BEST INDIVIDUAL
Name, School

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Name, School

COMMENDED INDIVIDUAL
Name, School
INDIVIDUAL JUDGES
Jo Caswell, Project Consultant & Lead IJ
Name, org
Name, org
Name, org
Name, org
WINNER:
RUNNER-UP:

Headline Partner

Prize Sponsors