East Midlands Speak Out Challenge

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”:

Watch this space for an announcement about the next programme, or email us at hello@speakerstrust.org to join the waiting list for your school to participate in the future.