Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust has found itself at the heart of an "increasingly powerful conversation" which announced a major new partnership with the University of Warwick.

In October 2025, Kenilworth School hosted the KMAT Great Debate at regional level, bringing together 24 secondary schools from across Coventry and Warwickshire.

After a fiercely contested process, 12 schools battled their way to the final - and all signs suggest that this year's central competition will be even bigger, louder, and more ambitious.

KMAT is "proud to announce" a major new partnership with the University of Warwick for the KMAT Great Debate Showcase 2026.

This landmark event will see schools from outside Coventry and Warwickshire step into the ring, with students given the chance to test themselves against experienced debaters from the 2024 and 2025 tournaments.

Alongside them, new secondary schools from within the region will also have the opportunity to experience the format for the very first time.

At the centre of this growing excitement is "Debate Boxing," a fast-paced and highly engaging debating format.

The showcase will be hosted in the University of Warwick's impressive Oculus Building, providing a "striking and inspiring backdrop for the event".

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Within this university setting, sixth form students from across the region will come together to work side by side with university representatives and invited members of the local community.

The KMAT Great Debate has teamed up with the University of Warwick (image supplied)

This collaboration will give students the chance to engage in competitive discussion, share ideas across geographical boundaries, and experience debate in a professional environment - "ensuring the showcase is not only fiercely competitive, but also enriching for everyone involved".

Martin Price, Associate Director for Regional Engagement at the University of Warwick said: "Creating opportunities for young people is at the heart of what the University does.

"We're particularly excited to be able to give a platform to so many young people to make their voices heard and have their say.

"The KMAT Great Debate is something we're looking forward to being a part of."

Already, the scale of the showcase reflects that ambition. Schools from seven different counties - Coventry and Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, the West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire - are set to take part.

Key Stage 3 students from a wide range of backgrounds will go head-to-head, all competing for the ultimate prize: for their school to be crowned champions.

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"The idea here is to spread the word," explains Aaron Dudley, event co-ordinator and member of staff at Kenilworth School.

"We believe we have a format that can one day become a national competition, and we want to give secondary schools from across the country the chance to be part of it."

The competition's reach continues to grow through an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, where participating schools and students receive recognition, encouragement, and support from across the country.

"There is a strong sense that the KMAT Great Debate has reached a pivotal moment in its evolution as a public speaking competition," Aaron added.

"The hope now is that secondary schools across the UK will launch their own KMAT Great Debate tournaments, feeding into a future national event.

"It's an ambitious vision - but given the way things are unfolding, there is a growing belief that the KMAT Great Debate and the Debate Boxing format are on track to become a lasting part of the UK's educational landscape.

"Now that, is absolutely something worth talking about."

KMAT sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.

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