Young voices shine at the Great Lancashire Debate 2025

Supporting UK Parliament Week, the Great Lancashire Debate invites schools in Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool to showcase their best public speakers. The competition continues to grow year on year, giving pupils across the county the chance to develop their skills, celebrate teamwork, and make their voices heard in the very chamber where decisions about Lancashire’s future are made.

This year’s finals were held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Preston, where pupils were asked to deliver a short presentation around the following question: “If you could change one thing about your local area to make it a better place to live and visit for everyone in Lancashire, what would it be? How would your idea make a difference?”

In the primary school final, pupils explored ideas to improve their local areas including reducing littering, caring for the countryside and villages, and creating inclusive and accessible community spaces. Finalists included Deepdale Community Primary School, St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School (Preston), Sherwood Primary School, Colne Park Primary School, Edenfield Church of England Primary School, and Chorley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School.

In the secondary school final, pupils proposed innovative solutions such as eco‑friendly community hubs, new entertainment centres and social spaces, and youth clubs to inspire and share skills with the next generation. Finalists included Our Lady’s Catholic High School (Preston), Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy, AKS Lytham, Lancaster Girls Grammar School, Holy Cross Catholic High School (Chorley), and Penwortham Girls High School.

Across both days, judges praised the high standard of debate, noting how difficult it was to select winners from such strong performances.

Edenfield Church of England Primary School won the primary school final, while Lancaster Girls Grammar School took the secondary title. Freya from Chorley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Zico from Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley were named best individual speakers.

Winning schools received the Great Lancashire Debate Shield, while Best Individual Speakers were awarded book tokens in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Finalists from the secondary school final 

Cllr Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

"The young people who took part demonstrated confidence, great speaking ability and serious thought about how to make their communities better for everyone. The Great Lancashire Debate shows what the young people on Lancashire are capable of and their passion was truly inspiring."

Alf Clempson, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, added:

“It was a privilege to chair the debate and witness the enthusiasm of pupils from across the county. Their ability to tackle complex issues with clarity and conviction is remarkable, and every participant should be proud of their achievement.”