The dust has settled, the lights have dimmed and the smoke machine has fallen silent.

But the arguments, achievements and memories of the KMAT Great Debate 2026 will endure long after the final applause.

Hosted by Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, this year's Key Stage 3 competition brought together schools from across Coventry and Warwickshire for a day of fierce intellectual competition, impressive oratory and, above all, a celebration of young people finding their voices.

KMAT CEO, Hayden Abbott said: "This year's KMAT Great Debate brought together students from schools within and beyond Warwickshire, with an exceptionally high standard of public speaking throughout the competition.

"From the moment the finalists entered the room, the atmosphere was electric, and that sense of excitement and energy continued throughout the event."

Schools travelled from across the region. Coventry was represented by Westwood Academy, Ash Green and Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, while Stratford-upon-Avon sent King Edward VI School and Stratford Girls' Grammar School, the latter having made its competition debut only a fortnight earlier.

Rugby's representatives were returning competitors Lawrence Sheriff School and newcomers Bilton School. Further north, Hartshill Academy returned alongside Atherstone's Queen Elizabeth Academy. Arnold Lodge School, 2025 Grand Finalists, represented Leamington Spa, while Warwick School flew the flag for Warwick.

The occasion attracted an exceptional panel of judges, including four mayors: Cllr Alison Insley, Mayor of Kenilworth; Cllr Sarah Boad, Mayor of Leamington Spa; Cllr Simon Parteger, Mayor of Warwick; and Cllr Nooria Sayani, Mayor of Rugby. Tim Cox, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire, also judged a KMAT Great Debate event for the first time.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Cox said: "I was delighted to be asked to become a judge at the KMAT Great Debate. The atmosphere in the hall was amazing. The students were all focused to do their best, but they were also enjoying themselves."

The British Red Cross played a prominent role, launching its Humanitarian Debater Award as part of the competition. Mairi Allan, Head of Youth at the British Red Cross, attended alongside colleagues, all of whom volunteered as judges.

Other guests included Elisabeth Stevens, Chair of Kenilworth Lions; Rebekah Walker, Birmingham City's Women's Academy Education Lead; Kara Wasley, Chair of Kenilworth Runners; and Adam Child, Academic Registrar at the University of Warwick.

Their presence underlined the importance of giving young people opportunities to develop the confidence, critical thinking and communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was electric. A distinctive soundtrack and dramatic lighting heightened the sense of occasion, while the group stages brought a formidable test of preparation and composure.

With 24 debates taking place simultaneously over each round in the group stages, debate assistants raced between competitors, sharing research and statistics as their peers prepared to argue their cases. Teachers and spectators watched as the students transformed their preparation into passionate, carefully reasoned exchanges.

The atmosphere only intensified when the knockout stages began…

The standard of debate left the judges deeply impressed. Cllr Parteger wrote on social media that "Events like this are fantastic opportunities to encourage the next generation to speak up, listen to others and debate important issues respectfully."

Cllr Boad was equally enthusiastic: "What an amazing event - a great opportunity for students to practice their debating skills!! I loved all the razamataz too!"

When the group stages concluded, Lawrence Sheriff School emerged as champions, narrowly edging out Hartshill Academy on debate points difference.

Host school Kenilworth finished third. The winning representative collected the trophy with all the exuberance of a World Cup victory, providing one of the day's most memorable moments.

The quarter-finals then brought the British Red Cross award into focus. Competitors considered whether communities should be expected to prepare for emergencies rather than relying solely on emergency services. Lawrence Sheriff School secured another victory, while Toby received recognition for best representing the British Red Cross's values.

Ms Allan said: "It was fantastic to see young people engaging in humanitarian topics, understanding the complexities involved and building their own confidence and skills to stand up for humanity."

The individual tournament provided another compelling contest. Eleanor, of Stratford Girls' Grammar School, claimed victory after having been identified as a StandOut debater earlier in the competition.

She maintained her composure through a highly competitive final, addressing a captivated audience through a microphone. Eliza, of Hartshill Academy, finished a deserved second, with Abi, of Kenilworth School, and Will, of King Edward VI School, sharing third place.

For visiting schools, the experience extended well beyond the results. Fatima Reema, of Queen Elizabeth Academy, said: "We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and it was lovely to see the students getting involved with such enthusiasm. They were fantastic and should all be proud of themselves!"

Amy Paull, of Stratford Girls' Grammar School, added: "Everything was so slick and well run, and the students had such a fantastic experience. We're still buzzing from the win!"

Perhaps the most revealing moments came after the formal contests. Students whose teams had been eliminated offered their research and expertise to competitors who had defeated them in earlier rounds.

Such generosity demonstrated the spirit at the heart of the competition: the ability to challenge an opponent robustly, listen carefully and then help that same person succeed.

The KMAT Great Debate is building more than confident speakers. It is fostering a community in which disagreement and mutual respect go hand in hand.

That achievement owes much to the army of student volunteers from Kenilworth School who helped deliver the event. Their commitment meant taking on substantial organisational responsibilities while catching up on missed lessons.

Their contribution reflected enormous credit on the school and helped make the competition possible.

Cllr Insley paid tribute to everyone involved, saying: "As the Kenilworth mayor, this was an incredible opportunity for me to witness and experience. The KMAT Great Debate Grand Final.

"A very inclusive tournament with schools from Coventry and Warwickshire, and students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, such a heartwarming feeling."

Mr Abbott said: "Congratulations to every student who participated, from the qualifying rounds through to the final, and thank you to the school staff who supported them. I am also extremely grateful to our judges, community volunteers and sponsors, whose dedication and continued support make this distinctive experience possible."

Attending as a guest to the event, Ms Susan Rasmussen, the High Sherriff of Warwickshire said "We often think that our teenagers temporarily lose the power of human speech for a year or two while they go through adolescence.

"I can't think of a better antidote to today's pervasive screen culture than joining a school debating society. I was really impressed by what I saw and heard at this event."

The 2026 competition may be over, but its momentum is building. With young people demonstrating that rigorous argument can coexist with generosity, confidence and respect, the KMAT Great Debate has made a compelling case for the place of debating in education.

Next on the horizon is the 2027 National Showcase. For now, however, the students, teachers, judges and volunteers who made this year's event such a success have every reason to celebrate.

Find out more about the KMAT Great Debate on Facebook here, or click this link to see the Instagram account.