Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition Returns With Ten Schools Confirmed

Barbara 9th January, 2026

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Public hall in Dominica hosting a national secondary schools debating competition with judges and recording cameras

The national Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition is set to return in January, with ten secondary schools confirmed to participate in the upcoming series, marking the revival of one of Dominica’s most prominent student academic platforms.

Education officials said the competition will bring together schools from across the island to engage in structured debate on national, regional, and global issues, with an emphasis on critical thinking, research, public speaking, and respectful discourse. The return of the programme follows strong calls for more extracurricular activities that strengthen students’ analytical and communication skills.

Participating schools will compete in a series of elimination rounds beginning in January, with debates scheduled over several months. Organisers confirmed that the competition will culminate in grand finals in April, where the top teams will face off to determine the national champions. The debate series is expected to involve students from both junior and senior secondary levels, with adjudication provided by trained judges drawn from the education sector and wider civil society.

Officials noted that the format is designed to encourage broad participation while maintaining high standards of preparation and performance.

Education stakeholders welcomed the return of the competition, noting its role in nurturing future leaders and fostering confidence among young people. Past editions of the debate series have produced students who later excelled in law, public service, media, and academia.

Organisers said further details on debate topics, match schedules, and venues will be released ahead of the opening rounds, as schools finalise their teams and preparations intensify for the January launch.