St Jo's students crowned national debating champions
Beneath a portrait of Winston Churchill in a Mayfair townhouse, four students from an Ipswich school made history by winning a national debating title that has been contested since 1957.
Why it matters: St Joseph's College students Ademide, Alex, Josh and reserve speaker Ben, beat 375 schools to be crowned champions of the English-Speaking Union's Schools' Mace Debating Competition in Mayfair.
The details: The grand final motion was "This House would ban athletes from competing under a neutral flag at the Olympic Games if their country is subject to international sanctions."
The competition, founded in 1957 and held at the Dartmouth House, has previously attracted notable participants, including Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy and broadcaster and author Edward Stourton.
What they're saying: Dr Rice, head of humanities at St Joseph's College, said: "To emerge as champions is a truly remarkable accomplishment and firmly establishes our senior debate team among the finest in the country. This is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment in our school's history."
She added: "Standing in the Churchill Room beneath the portrait of Winston Churchill and watching the boys perform with such confidence and intelligence was a moment I will never forget."
Deputy principal Sacha Cinnamond said: "Debating has become part of the identity of St Joseph's College, and that culture has been built through years of hard work from these students who have embraced challenge, curiosity, and ambition."
The bigger picture: Dr Rice has been central to coaching the team to a national standard. She has also been shortlisted for the Historic Royal Palaces Inspiring Teacher Awards 2026.
The bottom line: St Joseph's College's national debating title is a landmark achievement for the school and for Ipswich, and a testament to years of hard work, inspired teaching, and a culture that turns ambition into results.
Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.
This article cost us ~£21 to produce
It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.
Below the line