Celebration Evening for our Debating Students with Special Guest Ashley Fox MP

Students, staff and families came together for a special evening celebrating the achievements of our student debaters and highlighting the importance of public speaking, critical thinking and respectful discussion. 

We are incredibly proud of the strength of debating at Haygrove and of the large number of students who take part. It is a fantastic way for young people to develop confidence, communication skills and the ability to consider a range of viewpoints. 

We were delighted to welcome Ashley Fox MP, who delivered an engaging address to students, sharing insights from his career and the importance of informed discussion and civic engagement. Students then took part in a question-and-answer session, asking a range of thoughtful questions and gaining first-hand experience of engaging with a public representative. Ashley encouraged students to challenge him if they disagreed and to be brave in using their voices. Our students rose to the challenge with confidence and respect. 

The second half of the evening recognised the commitment and progress shown by students throughout the year. Mr Toule, Mrs Hobden, Miss Knott, Mr Caddy, Mr Davidson and Mr Williams presented recognition awards to all participating debaters before announcing the winners of the Debater of the Year and Most Improved Debater awards. 

The event was a fitting celebration of a successful year of debating and an opportunity to recognise the enthusiasm, dedication and growth shown by students across the programme. 

Thank you to Mr Williams for organising the evening, to Ashley Fox MP for his support and encouragement, and to our staff, students and families for helping make the event such a success. Thank you also to Mrs Woollcott for making the fantastic trophies too.  

“It was a real pleasure to meet so many talented young people at Haygrove School's Debating Society Awards. I was delighted to see so many students choosing to get involved in debating and to have the opportunity to answer their thoughtful questions. 

Too often today people think that disagreeing with someone's opinion means they have to dislike the person. Healthy debate reminds us that it is perfectly possible to disagree respectfully, challenge ideas with civility and learn from one another. 

Meeting these young people left me in no doubt that some of our future leaders were in that room." 

Ashley Fox MP

Debating Awards Evening 2026