Sixth Form students Georgia Juckes, Alicia Ross-Vergara, Hettie Gardner and Luke Briggs triumphed at the first ‘Democracy Challenge’ debating competition held at the West Oxfordshire District Council Offices in Witney.

They were up against stiff competition from Bartholomew School, Burford School, Henry Box, The Marlborough School, Wood Green School, Cokethorpe School and Kingham School. The teams were challenged to debate the topics “West Oxfordshire is a better place to live than London” and “Lifting the ban on new grammar schools”.

Chipping Norton School faced a team of students from Henry Box School in the final round when the motion up for debate was “Social Media has had a negative impact on sociery.” Our team had to debate as if they agreed with the motion.

The judging panel was comprised of local MP Robert Courts, Conservative Peer Lord Robert Hayward and retired judge Charles Harris QC. Mr Courts commented that “Chipping Norton School were well deserved winners, but they were pushed hard and everyone who participated made some really excellent and thought-provoking contributions.” As well as receiving a trophy, the students have been invited by Mr Courts to visit both Houses of Parliament to watch live debates.

Congratulations to Georgia, Alicia, Hettie and Luke and also to Miss Millar, for her fantastic mentoring.