NELT Debate Competition 2026!

Today, students from all our secondary schools came together at Bedlington Academy for our annual NELT Debate Competition.

Each school’s team included a questioner, speaker and chairperson, who debated a range of thought-provoking topics before skilfully questioning other schools on their arguments. Every team performed brilliantly, which made selecting winners a very difficult task!

A huge congratulations to Hermitage Academy who won Best Overall Team and will be hosting next year’s event.

The Best Speaker award was awarded to two students – Marco from Biddick Academy and Christopher from Easington Academy.

Chantelle from Ashington Academy took home the Best Chairperson award and Erin from The Academy at Shotton Hall was awarded Best Questioner.

The day was a huge success and we want to congratulate everyone who took part - you were all so impressive! Roll on next year...