Debate Mate’s Speak-Up Summer School returns to Dulwich College this July – four days of public speaking, debate and confidence-building for students in Years 2–11.
Debate Mate is opening bookings for its 2026 Speak-Up Summer School, running 20–23 July at Dulwich College, London. The four-day programme gives students in Years 2 to 11 the chance to develop their voice – through debate, public speaking workshops, team challenges and a final showcase for family and friends.
Debate Mate, the UK education charity that teaches young people communication and critical thinking through debate, returns this July with its second annual Speak-Up Summer School.
The programme runs from Monday, 20th to Thursday, 23rd July 2026 at Dulwich College, SE21 7LD.
It is open to students entering Years 2 to 11, with sessions tailored to different age groups throughout the week. The school day runs from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Early drop-off is available from 8:30 am, and late pick-up until 5:30 pm. Early Bird pricing is available until 20th June. Spaces are limited.
What students actually do across the four days
The programme is built around one idea: confidence is a skill, not a personality trait. It is learnable. And the best way to learn it is to practise.
Over four days, students take part in debate and public speaking workshops, confidence-building activities, team challenges and discussions on topics ranging from space and Shakespeare to economics and current affairs. Each afternoon includes outdoor games, sports and quizzes. The week closes with a showcase debate and prize-giving ceremony that families are invited to attend.
Sessions are grouped by age, so a Year 3 student and a Year 10 student are both working at a level that genuinely challenges them.
What families said after last year’s programme
The 2025 Speak-Up Summer School was the first Debate Mate ran. Here is what parents said afterwards.
“It was fantastic for my daughter to work with inspiring mentors to develop her confidence and communication. Isla also loved the variety of games and activities, and mixing with the older students for the quiz and sports activities.” — Parent, Speak-Up Summer School 2025
Students cited moments that stuck with them:
“Meeting other kids and participating in debates. More confident in structuring arguments”
“The pushing out of comfort zones.”
“The final debate and range of topics.”
Students arrived at different points – some already comfortable speaking in front of others, some far less so. What they had in common by Thursday was that they had pushed further than they expected to, made friends across year groups and developed skills they could actually use back in the classroom and in day-to-day life.
The venue: Dulwich College
The summer school takes place at Dulwich College, one of South London’s most recognised independent schools, set within extensive grounds in SE21.
Students have access to spacious classrooms and outdoor areas throughout the week. The campus gives the programme room to move between structured workshop time in the morning and team games, outdoor activities and social time in the afternoon.
📍 Location: Dulwich College, SE21 7LD
📅 Dates: 20th July – 23rd July
🕘 Times: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
✨ Wraparound Care: Early drop-off from 8:30 am, late pick-up until 5:30 pm
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/debatemate/2213510
