IHS Impress at International Public Speaking Competition in London

Five Ipswich High School students showcased their public speaking skills on an international stage this summer when they travelled to London to take part in the ASEEDER Junior Public Speaking Competition, hosted by the English-Speaking Union (ESU).

Charlotte K, Henry W, Kwesi R, Lucy-May H and Spencer P represented the School at the event on Sunday 9th August 2026, joining other young speakers for a full day of competition, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

Held from 9.30am to 5.00pm, the competition took place at the English-Speaking Union’s London headquarters, Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, in the heart of Mayfair. Dartmouth House is an impressive Grade II* listed townhouse and provides a fitting setting for many of the ESU’s educational, international, and public-speaking activities.

The ASEEDER Junior Public Speaking Competition was organised in partnership with the English-Speaking Union and brought together young people from different cultural backgrounds, including students from the UK and China. The event was designed to give young speakers the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their communication skills while exchanging ideas and perspectives with their international peers.

Throughout the day, participants delivered speeches on a wide variety of topics in front of fellow students and judges. The programme placed an emphasis not only on confident public speaking, but also on dialogue, listening, effective use of language and cross-cultural exchange.

The standard of the competition was exceptionally high, but all five Ipswich High School students rose impressively to the challenge. Charlotte, Henry, Kwesi, Lucy-May and Spencer delivered thoughtful, carefully crafted and engaging speeches, entertaining and informing their audiences while demonstrating confidence and composure in a prestigious setting.

Their performances received considerable praise, with a particularly exciting individual achievement for Kwesi R, who was presented with the award for Best Use of Language in a Speech.

The award recognised Kwesi’s skill in using language effectively and creatively to communicate with and engage an audience, and was a wonderful achievement in such a strong field of young speakers.

For all five students, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to put their oracy skills into practice beyond the classroom, meet young people from different backgrounds and experience public speaking in an international environment.

The English-Speaking Union is an educational charity dedicated to helping young people develop the speaking and listening skills they need to thrive. Its programmes encompass public speaking, debating and wider oracy education, with an international network extending across more than 50 countries.

The School is immensely proud of Charlotte, Henry, Kwesi, Lucy-May and Spencer for representing Ipswich High School so successfully and embracing the opportunity with such enthusiasm.

It was an exceptionally successful day for the students and another excellent example of the importance of oracy within school life. We look forward to seeing our students continue to develop their voices and take part in further English-Speaking Union events during the coming academic year.

Thank you to English teacher Andrew Bodell and the English staff for arranging this fantastic trip and taking time out of your summer holidays to take the pupils.