For the first time, two of our teams have reached the Grand Finals of the Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating Championships.

Piers (Monmouth School) and Helen (HMSG) had a stirring victory in their semi-final in Bristol on Thursday. Piers and Helen defeated an excellent team from Badminton Girls’ School, Bristol - and so continue their run of recent triumphs at the World Debating Championships in South Africa.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Alex and Alisdair also secured their place in the finals with a narrow and exciting semi-final victory over teams from both Howell’s School, Cardiff, and St. Mary Redcliffe School, Bristol.

Both Monmouth teams will now compete in the Grand Finals, which will be held in the illustrious surroundings of Cambridge University later this term.