News

The KMAT Great Debate has taken to the airwaves!

Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust has recently partnered with Radio Abbey to record a series of exciting podcast episodes, shining a spotlight on the talent, confidence and curiosity of our student debaters. The series explores the ever-growing world of the KMAT Great Debate, as well as discussions around other public speaking tournaments, with students taking centre stage as interviewers, presenters and, of course, debaters.

Three episodes have now been recorded, all of which will soon be available via Radio Abbey's website. We can't wait for you to hear them.

Across the series, our student hosts lead fascinating conversations with Mr Abbott and Mr Dudley, taking listeners on the journey from the very first idea behind the original KMAT Debate Boxing format to today's thriving programme of competitions, events and opportunities. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how an idea has grown into something that now inspires hundreds of young people to find their voice.

Of course, no Great Debate podcast would be complete without some fiercely competitive debating.

Episode One showcases our outstanding Key Stage 3 students. Westwood's Isabelle and Zoe put their extensive Debate Boxing experience to the test in an entertaining head-to-head contest. From Kenilworth School, reigning 2025 KMAT Great Debate Champion Louise faces Saoirse in another gripping encounter, before students from both schools come together for an academic battle royale packed with sharp thinking, persuasive arguments and quick-fire responses.

Episode Two shifts the spotlight to Key Stage 4, where experienced public speakers Ayaan, Olivia and Oli reflect on their memorable journey to the 2024 Youth Speaks National Finals in Norwich. Listeners can then enjoy a debate between Olivia and Oli, demonstrating exactly why they are regarded as being among the strongest young public speakers in the county. To round off the episode, Olivia takes on Mr Dudley himself in a student-versus-staff showdown that certainly doesn't disappoint.

The final episode belongs to our Key Stage 5 students. Maya, from Kenilworth School, sits down with the Mayor of Kenilworth, Alison Insley, for an engaging discussion about leadership, before fellow Year 12 students Sophia and Ella step into the debating arena. Sophia then switches from debater to interviewer as she chats with our Model United Nations team about their first-ever tournament and the exciting opportunities that international debating has opened up for them.

From insightful interviews to fast-paced debates, every episode captures the enthusiasm, confidence and passion our students bring to public speaking. Their intelligence, humour and willingness to challenge ideas make for genuinely entertaining listening—and we're incredibly proud of what they've achieved.

To say everyone enjoyed the experience would be an understatement. Working alongside the team at Radio Abbey has been a fantastic opportunity, and we're already looking forward to continuing our partnership in the months ahead.

Keep an eye on the Radio Abbey website—the podcasts will be available soon, and we hope you'll tune in to hear some of the outstanding voices helping shape the future of the KMAT Great Debate.