Well done to Farfield’s proposition team—Will B, Connor M, and James C—and Woodlands’ opposition team—Isaac B, Ulysses O’D, and Johnnie O—for an outstanding performance in the Year 10 and 11 Debating Final. The competition took place in the Reith Lecture Theatre, where pupils debated the motion, This House supports the UK government’s plan to introduce inheritance tax at 20% on inherited agricultural properties worth more than £1m from April 2026.

Both teams handled a divisive motion with aplomb and delivered a passionate, but very well-informed, debate before a packed house. In a rare outcome, the judges declared the debate a draw, meaning both teams will share the O’Connell Trophy. Fittingly, they continued to debate the motion even after the contest was over.  

This year’s competition also saw Edinburgh and Oakeley reach the semi-finals, rounding off an exceptional term of debating.