What is the Great Debate?

The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have 5 minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question.

Over the past couple of years the competition has been growing in size. To encourage as many young people to get involved as possible, and ensure as many local stories as possible are included, we have increased the number of heats and added a semi-final round. 

The competition for this year is: How important are personal and public records as evidence for explaining the story, or stories, of your local area?

Evidence of the past can take on many forms, some of it is formal (birth certificates, government records etc); some might be physical structures (e.g. buildings, planted woods) and some of it informal - diaries, postcards, ephemera and letters. Historians researching a topic, person or event will often use a combination of these pieces of evidence to construct an understanding of the past. Many of the formal pieces if evidence are in the shape of public records that can are kept in local record offices, libraries, old local history books; in some instances informal records are also now kept in official archives and museums. To answer the Great Debate question for this year we would like to hear how you have sought out your evidence and sources to make your argument to address the importance of personal and, or public records as evidence for explaining local history.

• Download our Rules and Student Guide 

Why take part? 

The competition is an ideal opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in speaking to an audience and developing their debating skills, confidence and self-esteem. 

The winner and runners-up of the competition will receive a cash prize. All finalists will also receive free student membership of the Historical Association. 

• Read our 'Guidance for teachers' (PDF) to get an idea on how to introduce public speaking and the Great Debate to your students. 

• Watch our video on why you should take part: What is the Great Debate? 

Regional heats

Regional heats will be published from July 2025 and will take place across the country from November 2025 through to January 2026. Register your interest in taking part. 

Interested in hosting a heat for the 2026 competition? Fill in your details here. 

Watch the 2024 winner for inspiration

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If you have any questions take a look at our FAQs or email greatdebate@history.org.uk