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East Midlands Speak Out Challenge

Building confidence in young people in the East Midlands

In the 2025-26 academic year, Speakers Trust are returning to the East Midlands with a special package of public speaking training for 10 schools as part of the National Speak Out Challenge.

The National Speak Out Challenge is a brand new programme designed to train teachers in building their students’ skills and confidence in oracy. The programme is linked to English GCSE Speaking and Listening Requirements, and the new OFSTED Education inspection framework.

“This exciting new programme will help guide students along that perilous journey of planning, writing and delivering their own speech, by using a similar formula that the Speak Out Challenge workshops use so well.” Ben Pickles, Teacher

As part of this teacher-led programme, Speakers Trust is launching a package of workshops and events across hubs including in the East Midlands.

What will schools in the East Midlands benefit from?

  • An in-person Teacher CPD day in March 2026
  • An in-school workshop for one group of Year 10s, delivered by a public speaking expert for the teacher to observe
  • A wealth of resources including Scheme of Work for GCSE English Speaking & Listening
  • A twilight CPD workshop for teachers, to support them in delivering an Assembly Final, and to select a Year 10 Finalist to enter the National Speak Out Challenge competition
  • A space in the Regional Final in the East Midlands in the summer term
  • Support from Speakers Trust including a twilight CPD session

What is the cost?

The programme is highly subsidised. Schools contribute £200 towards their participation.

How to can a school sign up?

  • Schools can sign up here to book their place on the 2025-26 programme.
  • Any school in England can visit speakoutchallenge.com and register an account for free resources.

See below to see more details about last year’s programme:

We delivered the first ever East Midlands Speak Out Challenge in the 2024-25 academic year.  

Young people from across the East Midlands received full day oracy workshops, aligned with GCSE English Speaking & Listening outcomes.

24 schools took part in the programme, with 814 young people participating across the region.

89% increased their understanding of listening skills

82% improved their presentation skills

67% increased in confidence

93% have learned more about classmates’ viewpoints, faiths, feelings and values

The first ever East Midlands Speak Out Challenge Final took place on 1st July 2025, with 13 finalists speaking out in front of a huge audience at the Y Theatre in Leicester.

The Judging Panel in Leicester was comprised of a diverse group of professionals from academia, charity, and the creative industries—all known for using their voices to drive change.

The 2025 panel included:

  • Professor Catherine Morley- Professor of American Literature and Head of the School of Arts, Media and Communication at the University of Leicester
  • Chandni Mistry- Creative Programmes Practitioner at Curve Theatre, Writer and Actress
  • Nick Owen- CEO, The Mighty Creatives
  • Tahir Hajat- Freelance Presenter, Master of Ceremonies and Basketball Commentator
  • Mr Peter Bason MBE- Chair of The NSB Trust (MAT)
  • Shantelle York- Animator and Designer

Check out the East Midlands Champion 2025, Kitty Devonish, with her speech entitled, “The Impact of Multi-dimensional Poverty on Childhood”: