Lancashire schoolkids tell council how to make the county a better place
Children and teenagers from across Lancashire have been praised for their public speaking skills after they took to the chamber in County Hall to argue how the places where they live could be improved.
It was part of the annual Great Lancashire Debate in which pupils get the chance to make their voices heard in the very place where decisions about the county’s future are made - and develop their debating skills in the process.
This year - in separate events for primary and secondary school groups - they were asked to deliver a short presentation in answer to the question: “If you could change one thing about your local area to make it a better place to live and visit for everyone in Lancashire, what would it be - and how would your idea make a difference?”
In the primary school final, pupils explored ideas including reducing littering, caring for the countryside and villages and creating inclusive and accessible community spaces. Finalists included Deepdale Community Primary School (Preston), St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School (Preston), Sherwood Primary School (Preston), Colne Park Primary School, Edenfield Church of England Primary School (Ramsbottom) and Chorley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School.
During the secondary school event, young people proposed innovative solutions such as eco‑friendly community hubs, new entertainment centres and social spaces, and youth clubs to inspire and share skills with the next generation. Finalists included Our Lady’s Catholic High School (Preston), Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy (Croston), AKS Lytham, Lancaster Girls Grammar School, Holy Cross Catholic High School (Chorley) and Penwortham Girls High School.
Across both finals, judges praised the high standard of debate, noting how difficult it was to select winners from such strong performances.
County Coun Alf Clempson, chairman of Lancashire County Council, who presided over the proceedings, said: “It was a privilege to chair the debate and witness the enthusiasm of pupils from across the county. Their ability to tackle complex issues with clarity and conviction is remarkable, and every participant should be proud of their achievement.”
Cabinet member for education and skills Matthew Salter added: "The young people who took part demonstrated confidence, great speaking ability and serious thought about how to make their communities better for everyone. The Great Lancashire Debate shows what the young people in Lancashire are capable of and their passion was truly inspiring.”
Edenfield Church of England Primary School won the primary school final, while Lancaster Girls Grammar School took the secondary title.
Freya from Chorley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Zico from Holy Cross Catholic High School in Chorley were named best individual speakers.
The winning schools received the Great Lancashire Debate shield, while best individual speakers were awarded book tokens in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Primary school winners
- Best School: Edenfield Church of England Primary School
- Highly Commended School: Sherwood Primary School
- Best Speaker: Freya, Chorley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School
- Highly Commended Speaker: Hafsah, Sherwood Primary School
Secondary school winners
- Best School: Lancaster Girls Grammar School
- Highly Commended Schools: Penwortham Girls High School & Holy Cross Catholic High School, Chorley
- Best Individual Speaker: Zico, Holy Cross Catholic High School, Chorley
- Highly Commended Speakers: Amelia, Penwortham Girls High School & Eloise, Lancaster Girls Grammar School