Where Future Debaters & Leaders Are Made
Debate Mate’s Graduate School Programme is the next step for students aged 15–18 who have successfully completed the Core Programme. It’s where the UK’s most promising young debaters sharpen their advanced skills, gain professional experience, and develop the confidence to compete – and succeed – on the world stage.eading
A Proven Pathway to Excellence
Since its launch, the Graduate School has transformed hundreds of state-school students into national and international competitors. Alumni like Ife Grillo, who made history as the first state-school student to represent – and win – the World Schools Debating Championships with Team England in 2016, and Zarina Bell-Gam, who captained Team England in 2019, demonstrate the life-changing impact of the programme.
More recently, Joshua Muzembe and Kalel Majdoub continued this legacy, earning selection for Team England 2025, with Joshua becoming the youngest and only state-school representative on the team. Their success at the European Schools Debating Championships in Romania is a testament to Debate Mate’s commitment to democratising opportunity.
Broad Reach, Lasting Impact
Graduate School now engages students from across the UK – from London, Manchester, the West Midlands, Liverpool, Cardiff, and Grimsby – through a hybrid model combining in-person and virtual sessions.
In 2024–25, the programme welcomed 74 students from 24 different schools, with 43% of them eligible for free school meals, far above the national average. Weekly attendance averaged 27 students, with many returning year after year to mentor younger debaters and lead by example.
Building Skills for Life
Graduate School goes beyond debating. Students receive professional and leadership training, careers advice, and university preparation, alongside subject talks on global issues such as feminism, degrowth, and capital punishment. Many graduates also mentor primary school students on the Debate Mate Core Programme—building communication, empathy, and leadership through teaching others. The impact is clear:
Partnerships and Real-World Opportunities
Through Debate Mate’s corporate partnerships, Graduate School students participate in showcase debates at leading institutions – from the Bank of England (with Young Enterprise) to PIMCO, The Black Curriculum, and the Tenth Revolution Group. These experiences help students see how communication, critical thinking, and teamwork translate directly into success in the workplace.
Supported by Christ Church College, Oxford
Generous, long-term support from Christ Church College, Oxford has played a vital role in expanding Graduate School’s reach and sustaining both its London and Manchester hubs. Since 2017, Christ Church has funded the programme annually, helping Debate Mate to extend sessions, recruit expert mentors, and offer hybrid access for students nationwide.
Looking Ahead
As Graduate School grows, our goal remains the same: to ensure every young person—regardless of background—can access world-class communication training and pathways to leadership. With the continued support of our partners and alumni, Debate Mate’s Graduate School will keep empowering the next generation of thinkers, speakers, and changemakers.
