Young Orator of the Year Competition: Finalists Announced!

We are pleased to announce the finalists for our third annual Young Orator of the Year Competition!

The twelve finalists from around the UK will present their prepared answers to one of our pre-set questions to a panel of judges in London in July.

The questions cover a broad range of subject areas, encouraging young people to engage critically with academic research and contemporary issues.

Schools Outreach Officer Jason Clapperton said: "We are incredibly proud of the twelve exceptional young finalists who have reached this stage.

“The standard this year has been remarkably high, and their energy, curiosity, and commitment to thoughtful public speaking are truly inspiring—we’re very much looking forward to seeing them present their ideas in person."

As part of their preparation, the finalists were recently invited to a pre-competition workshop day at the College. This provided an opportunity for them to familiarise themselves with the venue and take part in a technical rehearsal.

The day also included sessions led by external coaches from the fields of science, psychology, and stand-up comedy. They focused on managing nerves, building confidence, refining timing and structure, and preparing effective responses to judges' questions.

Additionally, the workshop served as a valuable chance for the finalists - who had travelled from across the country - to meet one another for the first time.

Gresham College Acting Provost Professor Sarah Hart said: "It is a pleasure to welcome such talented and articulate young people to Gresham College.

“The range and depth of the questions they are tackling - spanning the sciences, humanities, and pressing contemporary issues - reflect the very heart of our mission: to engage the public with serious academic thought.

“The enthusiasm and insight shown during the recent workshop day were hugely impressive, and we look forward with great anticipation to the final."

The finalists are:

• Cassidy Chapman, Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Birmingham
• Edward Vernon, Netherthorpe School, Chesterfield
• Hanna Dziamchykhina, Woodhouse College, Barnet
• Oluwaseyifunmi Ayinde, The Latymer School, Enfield
• Sadie Morgan, West London Free School, Hammersmith
• Matthew Carter, East Norfolk Sixth Form, Norfolk
• Eva Davies, Aquinas College, Stockport
• Isabelle Brookes-Mann, Aquinas College, Stockport
• Finlay Woodfield, Richard Huish College, Taunton
• Kamran Yarmohammad, Bishopshalt School, Uxbridge
• Marwaa Rehman, George Salter Academy, West Bromwich
• Gianluca Squitieri, Saint John the Baptist Sixth Form, Woking

The Young Orator of the Year Competition showcases the communication skills of state school students in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland), and Year 13 (Northern Ireland).

The event emphasises Gresham College’s dedication to promoting oracy skills and the importance of effective public speaking among young learners.