King’s College London Maths School (KCLMS) has been crowned the champion of the prestigious Sheriff's London Challenge public speaking competition for the second year running, edging out over a dozen schools to the title.

In a heated final debate, our team of Year 12s, Carys, Jamie, Lola, Narcis, Neda and Nikhil effortlessly tackled the motion 'Why the post-Covid world is now completely different'. The judges commended our students for their polished performance and for the breadth and depth of their research.

Head Teacher Dan Abramson said: “We are so proud of our students who blew the judges away with their outstanding ability to marshal arguments and discuss complex topics. To win two years in a row is phenomenal. Our students did a fantastic job in displaying their grasp of the scientific, economic, and moral issues at play.”

The Sheriffs’ London Challenge is an annual inter-school public speaking competition, which helps young people in London enhance their debate and presentation skills. Representing their schools, Year 12 students are put through their paces as they prepare and deliver a timed presentation to a rigorous judging panel comprising the Sheriff of London and criminal judges on motions covering a range of subjects.

Each school is mentored by a livery company in the City of London. King’s Maths School was fortunate to be supported again by the Worshipful Company of Actuaries who provided valuable mentorship throughout the preparation process.

Mr Abramson said: “The London Sheriffs’ Challenge allows our students to hone and nurture invaluable research, teamwork and debating skills. We would like to thank the Worshipful Company of Actuaries for their continued guidance and coaching, as well as the Sheriff of London and the City of London Corporation for organising such a rewarding event.”

The debate final, which is usually held in Court No 1 of the Old Bailey in the presence of a panel of Her Majesty’s Judges, was this year completed virtually due to Covid-19.

Congratulations to Carys, Jamie, Lola, Narcis, Neda and Nikhil!