Harborough youngsters prove they are among the best in the world when it comes to debating

A Market Harborough school’s brilliant students are some of the sharpest, smartest debaters in the world – and that’s not up for discussion.

Phoebe James, 15, and Cleo Dehaan, 15, went into virtual battle debating on behalf of Welland Park Academy against 11 other high-flying schools from the UK and China.

And the two supremely-talented Market Harborough students came out on top after showing they can mix it with the very best.

Elated team chief Ian Howes, head of science at Welland Park Academy, said: “This is an absolutely incredible victory.

“Phoebe and Cleo are simply very very bright and magnificent debaters.

“They showcase all that’s good about our school – both the students and the staff.”

Proudly showing off the prestigious Elite Journey trophy as pupils got their GCSE results at the 1,000-student school on Thursday, Ian added: “We set up a debating team here about eight years ago.

“We have taken part in debating competitions all over the country – debating is based on the British Parliamentary system.

“We’ve performed extremely well over the years – especially so because we are one of the very few state schools in England to enter these contests.”

Welland Park Academy has quickly built up such a heralded reputation in the debating world that they were invited to compete in a high-powered 12-strong tournament with Chinese schools last month.

“We were going up against five other UK schools and six elite schools from China.

“Phoebe and Cleo took on and toppled Chinese schools in the first round, second round, semi-finals and the final itself,” said Ian.

“Topics to debate obviously varied – and were difficult and complex.

“For example, in the second round Phoebe and Cleo had to talk about re-opening our economy after the virus lockdown.

“Each debate was robustly and independently judged.

“We are so incredibly proud of both Phoebe and Cleo.

“They were so confident and articulate putting forward powerful, brilliantly-reasoned cases every time.

“The two girls reflect so well on Welland Park Academy.

“Phoebe and Cleo deserve all the praise and recognition in the world for what they have achieved competing at the highest level.

“They are both very gifted and have fantastic careers in front of them.”