Kimbolton's Lower Sixth Form debaters are through to National Final of the European Youth Parliament UK (EYPUK) competition, after winning the East Anglia Regional Forum recently. Our team of eight students travelled to Churchill College, Cambridge, where an excellent performance saw them win the event for an impressive ninth time since 2010, ahead of six other schools from across the region.

Team members Anna, Amelia, Benjy, Dimitri, Harriet, Harry, James and Mariko were commended for their well-researched and constructive contributions to debate, their persuasive speeches and their excellent teamwork.

Also attending the event was Upper Sixth Form student Ross, in his new role as EYPUK Regional Head Organiser for East Anglia. The 18-year-old, who is studying A Levels in English Literature, History and Maths, applied for and was offered the position after competing at the National Final last year - and subsequently representing the UK at an EYP event in Slovenia last summer.

Debating Coordinator Mr Tristan Pithers said: "Ross was outstanding on the day, and I was super proud of him taking on such a challenging and rewarding role. Our team thoroughly deserve their success; their teamwork and camaraderie really stood out against that of other schools.”

The European Youth Parliament United Kingdom (EYPUK) is an educational charity that engages young people with UK and EU political issues, providing them with a platform to express their opinions. Participants gain new skills in debating and confident public speaking, learning about key issues affecting the UK and Europe from climate change, to the refugee crisis. 

Congratulations to Ross and our team - and best of luck at the 4-day national event at Liverpool Hope University in July!