Handford House Wins 2026 House Debating Competition

Lancing’s House Debating Competition has continued the tradition of being passionate, controversial and entertaining. With every House fielding a team this year, Thursday nights were dramatic and informative with topics such as vaccinations becoming compulsory, Britain rejoining the European Union and politics not playing a role in sport. The audiences were just as invested as the debaters, providing some tricky questions for our summary speakers and some thoughtful conversations afterwards.

The House teams showed great skill and preparation, working exceptionally well together to craft precise and convincing arguments. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and organisation with which the teams approached the competition.

Judging this year proved a difficult task as the standard of debate was exceptional from the opening statements to the final calls to action. Support from the audience was at an all-time high, with packed houses almost every Thursday, especially as we came closer to the final.

Sankey’s, Gibbs, Handford and Teme made it into the coveted Final Four where the atmosphere had that mix of reverent intensity and loud cheers similar to centre court at Wimbledon. The final motion ‘This House believes the English flag is a symbol of division’ featured Handford and Teme yet again battling it out for the championship, with the Head Master and Mrs Henry acting as judges. After a very close debate showcasing excellent arguments and rebuttals, Handford emerged victorious to thunderous applause and a beaming Ms. McKane.

Congratulations go to Bertie F, Josh O, Xander G, Hilmi M, Bea H, Alice Y and Ciara H for their participation and to our audiences, judges, chairs and timekeepers for making this competition so enjoyable.

Liz Keane
Head of Politics