Sutton Schools Debates 2025: Talented students from Sutton Coldfield College walked away with the coveted trophy after their animated and compelling arguments stole the spotlight at this year’s Sutton Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition.
Hosted by the Royal Sutton School as last year’s winners, the hotly-contested annual competition, founded by MP Andrew Mitchell in 2003, returned for its 20th rendition.
Sixth formers and students from eight Sutton Coldfield schools took to the stage to debate thought-provoking topics, including impact of social media, the prison system and the ethics of animal testing.
But it was Damian Duggan and Joshua James from Sutton Coldfield College who stole the night with their compelling arguments.
In their first round against the Royal Sutton School, Damian and Joshua argued for the importance of school uniforms, despite being from the only entrants not to wear them! They passionately argued that we are defined by more than our clothes, and that self-expression can be achieved in many forms within schools.
Their second round was all the more impressive, with the students each having twenty minutes to prepare arguments for an unseen motion assigned to them on the night.
Despite having such limited time to prepare, all the participants came up with complex and eloquent thoughts on the value of books, safety in our modern world and the path to happiness.
In a tight match against Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Damian and Joshua excellently proposed the motion, “The arts are as important as the sciences in education”.
They argued that the arts form the fabric of human society and identity, and that science is itself an art, tackling Vesey’s well-thought out rebuttals with great skill.
Isabella Findley and Luke Allen from Bishop Vesey’s had a superb showing, managing to win the runners-up trophy, while Nathan Yap from the Arthur Terry School took home the prize for Best Speaker.
Students praised at Sutton Schools Debates 2025
The courage and intellect of all 16 students impressed not only host Andrew Mitchell but the esteemed panel of judges – Gary Phelps, former editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer; the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Councillor John Perks; and Claire Bridges , Chair of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust.
Nicola Gould, Headteacher of the hosting Royal Sutton School, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to host this highlight in all of our schools’ academic calendars.
“Debate is an art requiring not just intellect, but skills of persuasion, communication and oration. These brave students all demonstrated immense courage and talent tonight, which will serve them well throughout their lives.”
Andrew Mitchell said: “It is always a privilege to host this wonderful competition. I started the Parliamentary Debating Competition to promote the art of debate among young people, and to celebrate their skill, ingenuity and courage.
“I am so thankful to the staff at our schools, our distinguished panel of judges, and of course the magnificent young people who debated these difficult motions.
“Once again, the Competition has shown just how lucky we are to have such amazing schools in our Royal Town.”
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 Mr Mitchell later this year, with the opportunity to see real Parliamentary debates in action.
Next year’s competition will be hosted by Sutton Coldfield College, as this year’s winners.