A Debate Mate after-school club runs weekly during term time, typically for one hour per session. Students learn the fundamentals of structured debate – how to construct arguments, challenge opposing views, and speak with confidence in front of others. Sessions are progressive, building skills across the year through practice, competition, and performance.

Debate Mate clubs are delivered by trained university student mentors – high-achieving undergraduates who act as peer-to-peer role models for the young people they work with. Every mentor is trained in our debate methodology and safeguarding requirements before they enter a school, and is supported throughout the programme by our team.

The Debate Mate Core Programme is for Primary and Secondary schools based in Greater London, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, West Midlands, Grimsby and Cardiff and in receipt of the above national average FSM6. If you’re unsure whether your school qualifies, get in touch, and we’ll confirm your eligibility directly.

Schools that fall outside our Core Programme criteria can access Debate Mate through our Bespoke Programmes. These are fully tailored programmes to your school’s context, year groups, and objectives. Whether you want a termly debate club, a one-off competition, or a whole-school oracy intervention, we can design something that works for you.

Yes. Alongside our ongoing club model, Debate Mate offers one-off debate workshops, assemblies, and showcase events for schools. These are ideal for taster sessions, special events, or schools that want to experience our methodology before committing to a longer programme. Contact us to discuss what would work best for your school.