A TEAM of students from Grange Technology College have their sights set on competing nationally after winning a local school debating competition.

They impressed judging panels of top professionals from the legal and finance sectors over two rounds, one of which was held at the Leeds offices of law firm Pinsent Masons.

The team beat competition from local school including Lightcliffe Academy and Tong High School on their way to winning the competition.

Year 10 pupils Miruna Ceuca, Nisha Shahid and Ruqayyah Sharif set themselves up with a strong performance in the heats which were held on home turf at the Southfield Grange Campus.

Topics debated included whether low paid workers should be replaced by robots and if Leeds Bradford Airport should be expanded.

The event was one of many opportunities made available to the schools through their participation in Ahead Partnership’s Make the Grade programme, a partnership between business and education to equip young people with the skills they need for the working world.

Head Alison Mander said: “We’re extremely proud of our team’s achievement in winning this competition over the two rounds. They have shown great intelligence, confidence and communication skills to achieve this victory. I have no doubt they can compete at a higher level and look forward to seeing their progress in the future.”

Grange’s key business partner within the Make the Grade programme is Yorkshire Building Society, one of the companies to provide staff to sit on the judging panel. Henri Murison, YBS Public Affairs Manager said: “The judges were extremely impressed by the high standard across all teams, which made for an afternoon of lively and interesting debating. The three Southfield Grange students were extremely worthy winners, clearly demonstrating both an understanding of public policy and a talent for public speaking. They are a credit to the region and we hope they will go on to showcase their talents in future competitions.”

Stephanie Burras CBE, Ahead Partnership’s Chief Executive, said: “Learning to present your ideas and opinions in front of a business audience is a tricky skill that many young people struggle with – their commitment has seen them handle even the trickiest subjects with aplomb which is exactly what this competition set out to achieve. The team should be very proud.”