04-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Brecon High School pupils win national debating competition
Teen debaters from Brecon have been praised for winning a national competition.
Four Year 9 students from Brecon High School in Powys – Finn Irwin, Rhydian Davies, Darcy Richards, and Eric Pearce – claimed the National Plate at the Seren Oxford Debating Competition, held in March at Jesus College, Oxford.
Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a learning Powys, said: "On behalf of the council, I would like to congratulate Finn, Rhydian, Darcy, Eric, and everyone at Brecon High School on this remarkable achievement.
"Their success at the Seren National Debating Competition is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the excellent support provided by their teachers.
"We are incredibly proud of them."
The competition is part of the Welsh Government's Seren Academy programme, which supports the most able learners in Wales from Years 8 to 13.
The programme offers academic enrichment opportunities to help students reach their full potential and progress to top universities.
During their two-day visit to Oxford, the team explored the city and university, took part in debates, and impressed judges with their teamwork and reasoning.
In the final round, they debated the motion: 'This house believes that teaching Religious Education is no longer relevant in schools.'
