The Sussex Speak Out Challenge is designed and delivered by Speakers Trust to encourage Year 10 students to develop public speaking and communication skills as well as build self-esteem and agency.
This programme is highly subsidised and linked to the Skills Builder framework to further unlock learning and boost academic outcomes.
Schools will receive a one-day, expert-led workshop in public speaking and communication skills. Our workshops support Speaking and Listening GCSE outcomes and boost pupils’ future employability skills. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day.
According to the data collected from last year’s 239 participants:
76% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people.
77% of students increased their ability to present ideas in an effective way when speaking in front of a group.
94% have learned more about classmates’ viewpoints, faiths, feelings and values
Last year’s Sussex Speak Out Challlenge Final took place at Brighton Dome on 26th June 2025. The runner-up, Trevaughn Durairaj, from Heathfield Community College said,
“This has been an absolutely amazing experience and I can’t imagine it being any different. Thank you!”
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM, Mayor of Brighton & Hove, not only presented the certificates and awards of the evening, but uniquely appraised all 11 Finalists of the night. Of the event, she said,
“I thought it was inspirational, breathtaking and gives me hope for the future of our young people”
To get your school involved:
Contact hello@speakerstrust.org for more information.
