Young Orator of the Year Compeition 2025 Now Open!

We are delighted to announce the opening of our third annual oracy competition for state school and sixth form college students, aged 16-17, across the UK.

The competition asks students to submit a five-minute, recorded presentation answering one of a set of questions, with this year's themes spanning STEM and the Humanities.

Those shortlisted are subsequently invited to present live at a final at the College, with prizes available for both winning students and their schools. 

Gresham College Provost, Professor Martin Elliott,  said: “At Gresham College, we believe that the ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to success in both education and life.

"The Young Orator of the Year Competition provides a unique opportunity for students to sharpen their public speaking skills while exploring important topics in depth.

"We are excited to see the talent and passion that this year’s entrants will bring to the competition.”

The questions are as follows:

1. Pick an historical figure whose influence, story or achievements you feel have been either over-valued or under-valued. Argue why this should be redressed
2. Aside from social media, what in your view is the most important positive – or negative – invention of the 21st century, and why?
3. How much is too much wealth?
4. Aside from English and Maths, which subject(s) should be compulsory at school and why?
5. Which book should we all read and why? (this can include both fiction and non-fiction)
6. How do you think the evolution of social media platforms has impacted (either negatively or positively) the way you communicate, build relationships, and express your identity?

Entries must be submitted by 6pm on 21 March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in May and invited to London for a presentation skills workshop on 7 June 2025. The final will take place on 2 July 2025, at Gresham College, where finalists will present live before a panel of judges and live audience of friends and family.