Debate Mate sparks important conversations in Cardiff
27 November 2025
On Thursday November 6, nationwide charity Debate Mate launched their 2025/26 programme to secondary school students across Cardiff at an event held in Cardiff Business School.
Debate Mate’s Schools Programme was founded in 2009 to close the skills gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. They champion building skills in communication, confidence, and leadership. Far too often, access to these opportunities depends on where a child grows up.
Their debate-led after-school programmes equip students with the ability to think critically, speak persuasively, and collaborate effectively. By levelling the playing field, they strive to raise aspirations and empower young people to find their voice.
Following successful programmes across the United Kingdom, and further afield in Jamaica and Nepal, Cardiff Council supported the first roll-out of the programme in 8 schools across Cardiff in 2021, with the final debate competitions held at the Principality Stadium. This success has been repeated every year since, with even more students getting involved.
Sponsors of the event include household names in Welsh business, Admiral and Principality Building Society. James Harper, Social Impact Lead at Principality, volunteered to demonstrate debate to the students.
The schools that are on the programme for the new academic year are:
- Cathays High School
- Cantonian High School
- Cardiff West Community High School
- Eastern High School
- Fitzalan High School
- Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf
- Mary Immaculate High School
- St Teilo's High School
- Willows High School
Over the next 17 weeks, pupils will sharpen their skills, connect with mentors, and tackle real-world challenges — from boardroom debates to industry networking.
A total of 150 students, accompanied by 27 teaching staff from participating schools, attended the launch event. The Leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas, delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging students to engage with the initiative and make a positive impact.
All the schools involved in this year’s Debate Mate programme participate in the University's Widening Participation scheme.
It is a shared vision is that all students, regardless of their background or personal experience, are inspired to consider higher education as an achievable option, and can study, succeed and thrive at Cardiff University and beyond.
The launch video of the event is available here.
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