Student Debate Days
The UKSC Debate Day programme offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in law, politics, history or citizenship to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills.
During the Debate Day series, 10 schools are invited to debate a legal topic at the Supreme Court. Successful applicants spend a day at the UKSC, have a tour of the building and are then split into their three teams (For, Against and Judges). Each group receives coaching ahead of the debate from professional lawyers, and the debate takes place in one of the courtrooms. After the debate, there is a Q&A session, where students can ask questions about careers in law.
A debate pack will be sent in advance, so students will have prepared their key submissions before the debate. The subject of the debate will be associated with a previous UKSC case, for example:
"Do stop and search powers strike a fair balance between the rights of the individual and the interests of society?"
There is also the option for a virtual session whereby students will instead be coached and make their presentations by Microsoft Teams.
The programme is open to accredited teaching institutions (schools or colleges) for Years 12 to 13 in England Wales, Years 12 to 14 in Northern Ireland and S5 and S6 students in Scotland.
Applications open on the 19th September 2024 at 12pm.
Applications close Monday 14th October at 12pm.
We particularly welcome applications from Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish schools.
For more information, please contact enquiries@supremecourt.uk or call 0207 960 1900/1500.
Application Forms
Debate Day Programme 2024-2025 Application Form
Please email your completed application form to enquiries@supremecourt.uk by Monday 14th October at 12pm with the subject heading 'Debate Day Application 2024-25'