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Sussex Speak Out Challenge

Giving young people in Sussex the confidence and opportunity to speak out on the issues that matter to them.

In the 2025-26 academic year, Speakers Trust are returning to Sussex 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 Sussex.

What will schools in the East Midlands benefit from?

  • An in-person Teacher CPD day in February 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 Brighton 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:

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Sussex Speak Out Challenge was delivered to 10 schools. According to the data collected from 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

The 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”

Sussex Speak Out Challenge Final 2025