Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 9 and 10

Region: all
Years 9 and 10

A state-wide competition with zone winners progressing to regional and state-wide knockouts to determine the state champion.

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Entries in the 2025 Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 9 and 10 are now open! Teachers can use the red button at the top of this page to register up to two teams. You can read a little more about the comp below, or you can download the 2025 Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 9 and 10 Information Guide (PDF 1.87 MB) for a really detailed look at how the challenge works. Best of luck for what's sure to be another cracking year of debates!


About the competition

This competition began in 1950 with the donation of a trophy by Charles and Fred Teasdale for an annual debating competition at intermediate level between high schools on the north shore. Over the years, it has expanded into a state-wide competition for all government schools.

Format of the competition

Teams will be organised into zones of 6 (occasionally fewer depending on entries) and will receive their draw before the start of Term 2. Each team will complete 3 debates against other teams from their zone whenever suits them before mid-Term 3. Once those 3 rounds are completed, the team(s) with the best record will be declared the zone champions and will compete in a knockout finals series to determine the state champion. The state final will be held in November.

The 2025 Premier's Debating Challenge Years 9 and 10 Final is proudly supported by Holding RedlichACCO Brands Australia and Venue Partner NSW Teachers Federation.


All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 9 and 10, please email Justine.clarke@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.