This year’s theme, “A Letter to Tomorrow”, invited students to imagine, challenge, and inspire. For the first time, Year 11 students joined our sixth formers, bringing fresh perspectives and remarkable confidence to the stage; an example of how opportunity and equity open doors for every learner to thrive. 

Developing Voices 

Every finalist progressed through rigorous school rounds and benefited from one-to-one coaching by pupil barristers, thanks to our partnership with the Kalisher Trust. This collaboration is about more than public speaking—it introduces students to careers where advocacy and persuasion are essential. The Kalisher Trust works to broaden access to the criminal bar, supporting talented young people from diverse backgrounds through mentoring, training, and scholarships, championing equity and ensuring that ambition is not limited by circumstance.  

Through coaching, students refined their delivery, strengthened their arguments, and learned from professionals who speak every day in high-stakes environments. These experiences help students take their natural talents to the next level and see how skills in oracy can open doors to law and leadership. 

Speaking with Authenticity 

The speeches reflected critical thinking and creativity, with topics ranging from technology and leadership to gender equality, health and wellbeing, and reflections on time and family. Some students shared deeply personal experiences—health struggles, migration stories, and aspirations for the future—while others explored philosophical ideas such as living for today or learning from the past to prepare for tomorrow. 

Judges praised the calibre of the speeches and the confidence of the speakers. 

John Dunston, Director of Education and Trustee of the Kalisher Trust, commented: 

“It’s been a very good day—really well organised, a fantastic idea from Creative Education Trust. We saw some exceptional speeches, and it was a privilege to listen to them. The students spoke with confidence, poise, and passion, sharing personal stories and visions for the future.” 

Elspeth Windsor, Early Career Group member of the Kalisher Trust, added: 

“Two things stood out for me: the level of ability of the students and the opportunity to showcase it in an event like this. Both were absolutely outstanding.” 

Elspeth also shared her own inspiring journey into law, encouraging students to bring their skills and compassion to a profession that shapes society, a message that resonates with our commitment to equity and ambition.  

The Results Are In 

Sixth Form Competition:

• Winner: Gustavine (Wrenn School) 
• 2nd Place: Michelle (Weavers Academy) 
• 3rd Place: Tafadzwa (Wrenn School) 
• Special Mention: Bartosz (Wrenn School) 

Year 11 Competition:

• Winner: Lizzie (The Hart School) 
• 2nd Place: Matthew (Wrenn School) 
• 3rd Place: Lacey (Weavers Academy) 
• 4th Place: Adhyayan (Abbeyfield School) 

 

Creative Education Trust thanks the Kalisher Trust for their continued partnership and the staff of our schools for supporting every participant. This event is just one of many enrichment opportunities offered across our network—helping students develop confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to speak with clarity and conviction.