Portsmouth school triumphs in a celebration of student voice
Students from a Portsmouth school were recently crowned the winners of a debating competition, impressing the judge with their confidence and communication skills.
Representing The Portsmouth Academy on St Marys Road, Fratton, a team of students from Year 7 and Year 9 saw off 13 rival schools from Portsmouth and surrounding areas to win The Big Debate 2026.
The event, run by local organisation UNLOC, sees young people come together to debate a range of local, national and international issues, which included the students being asked their thoughts on Portsmouth’s City of Culture bid.
The students only discovered what side of the argument they’d be defending on the day itself, requiring them to think on their feet and adapt under pressure.
After some tightly contested rounds, The Portsmouth Academy secured a place in the final, alongside The Petersfield School. The top two schools were tasked with debating whether artificial intelligence tools should be used in the classroom.
After a close final, it was The Portsmouth Academy who took the crown, with the judge particularly impressed with the quality of their opening and closing statements.
For the students involved, it was more than just winning with Dara valuing the opportunity to meet and connect with other schools, and Kayla saying it was ‘one of the best experiences of her life’.
They were mentored and supported throughout the competition by the school’s Reading Champion Kerry Carter. As someone keen on the development of strong literacy skills, she was delighted to see their hard work and determination recognised.
"It's been a real pleasure to work with these students and for them to win the competition is a fantastic celebration of student voice.
“They showed courage, confidence and resilience to prepare and deliver strong arguments around important issues which they feel so passionately about.
"They'll take so much more from this experience than winning; it will give them the self-belief they need so they can be their best self at school and beyond".
The Portsmouth Academy is part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust; a family of schools committed to creating student voice opportunities for young people.
Michelle Smith FCCT, Interim Deputy CEO for the Thinking Schools Academy Trust’s South region, praised the work being done at the school to ensure students feel heard and valued.
"The Portsmouth Academy continue to build a culture where students know their voices matter and this achievement is a shining example of that.
"Seeing them speak so confidently on issues which will affect their future is inspiring, and a brilliant reflection of how the school creates opportunities for them to be heard".
Families interested in learning more about opportunities available at The Portsmouth Academy can visit the school on Thursday 1st October 2026, from 6pm-8pm. Visitors can meet Headteacher Sarah Dedman, try some free food and discover the range of departments and subjects they have to offer.