Debate Mate

At The Bridge Academy, we work with Debate Mate to give students the opportunity to develop their confidence, communication and critical-thinking skills through structured debating.

Our after-school Debate Mate programme is available to students in Years 7–10, providing regular opportunities for students to develop their ability to construct arguments, listen to different perspectives, respond to challenge and communicate their ideas effectively. Students learn to research and evaluate information, construct clear and persuasive arguments, speak confidently in front of others, work collaboratively and engage respectfully with disagreement.

Through the programme, students develop a range of transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking, confidence, resilience, empathy, leadership and teamwork. These skills support students not only in debating, but also across their academic studies, wider school life and future education and careers.

Students have the opportunity to put these skills into practice through competitive debating, taking part in competitions against schools from across London.

Our students have achieved significant success in the Debate Mate Cup. In 2025, The Bridge Academy finished second in the competition, before going one step further in 2026, when our students finished first and became London Regional Champions.

Students also participate in the Urban Debate League, a three-round competitive debating programme against other London schools. The Bridge Academy has previously been Urban Debate League champions and continues to perform strongly in the competition, providing students with further opportunities to test and develop their debating skills against other schools.

Our students' achievements across both the Debate Mate Cup and Urban Debate League reflect their commitment, teamwork, confidence and ability to construct and defend persuasive arguments under pressure.

Debating is an important part of our wider commitment to political literacy, oracy and active citizenship. Students are encouraged to find their voice, challenge ideas, listen to others and engage constructively with different perspectives. Debate Mate provides students with the confidence and skills to participate meaningfully in discussions both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information:

Contact Mr Karadal |Debate Mate Coordinator – skaradal@tbah.uk 

Visit the Debate Mate website – Debate Mate

Debate Mate Winners

Debate Mate Winners