The ESU Centre organises the national debating competition (the 'Schools Mace') for secondary schools in England and Scotland. Winners of separate national competitions in Wales and Ireland are invited to compete with the English and Scottish winners in the International Final of the Schools Mace.

We also organise the National Public Speaking Competition for England, Wales and Scotland, the Debate Academy, the England Schools Debating Team, a series of 'Great Debates' and a variety of other programmes for secondary school students in the UK.

The ESU also organises the popular International Public Speaking Competition featuring winners of national competitions around the world.

Organisers of other schools competitions may advertise their details on this site.

We offer support for teachers to learn more about debate inside and outside the classroom through CPD courses and sales of resources and materials.

Featured downloads:

Schools Mace & Public Speaking Competition 2008-2009 Download the flyer / entry form Download the Schools Mace Handbook (debating) Download the Public Speaking Competition Handbook Download an example order paper