We are very excited to be returning to Cambridge and Peterborough for the Anglia Ruskin University Speak Out Challenge 2026-27!
In its fourth year, the Speak Out Challenge will support Year 10 students in schools across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to develop public speaking and communication skills, as well as building self-esteem and confidence.
The Challenge supports students who might not routinely have access to extracurricular opportunities that develop cultural capital and raise attainment.
As last year’s impact report shows, the programme has benefits for all who participate:
95% of students have learnt skills they can apply in the next stage of their education, training and employment
83% of students are most likely to take up opportunities to speak in public
97% have learned more about classmates’ viewpoints, faiths, feelings and values
Schools will receive a free, one-day, expert-led workshop in public speaking and communication skills, and at least one student from each school is guaranteed a place in their closest live regional final, either in Peterborough or Cambridge.
Interested? Bookings are now open! Fill out this booking form here. You can also email us at hello@speakerstrust.org or call 0208 434 0602.
“Honestly, it’s been such a good opportunity to let other young people hear what I had to say. Confidence is so important and the Speak Out Challenge gave me that.”
-Honey Akinola, ARU Peterborough Speak Out Challenge Champion 2025
Do you have a future Speak Out Challenge Champion amongst your Year 10s?
Check out last year’s champion, Breanna Mugarisanwa of Greater Peterborough UTC, with a speech entitled “Black representation in Disney”:
Here’s what Breanna had to say about the Speak Out Challenge “‘Looking out at the audience smiling at you and really listening was such an amazing experience. I’d definitely do it again’.”
