Kent leading independent school, Radnor House Sevenoaks, is celebrating a double national success, with its debating team taking the top spot at the prestigious IAPS National Debating Competition and Performing Arts students securing commendations at the National Youth Monologues.

Matilda, Aanav, Aly, Lucy and Toby from Year 7 and 8 were crowned national debating champions. The contest is widely considered one of the most rigorous and competitive events for prep schools in the country. The Radnor House Sevenoaks team demonstrated remarkable poise under pressure, navigating complex motions that required them to respectfully challenge opposing viewpoints under the scrutiny of an expert panel.

Meanwhile, students from the school’s renowned Performing Arts department received Commendations at the National Youth Monologues.

• Aaliyah H – Commended, Key Stage 4, Original Monologue
• Evelyn M – Commended, Key Stage 3, Classical Monologue
• Henry H – Commended, Key Stage 3, Screen Monologue

Entering the competition required students to work independently and with laser focus: selecting material, applying advanced performance techniques and producing a filmed monologue to professional standards. The work formed a key part of Radnor House Sevenoaks’ Drama Scholar Programme, which is designed to stretch and inspire students beyond the curriculum to promote artistic excellence.

 At the heart of this success is the school’s focus on oracy and pupil voice, which was recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as a “significant strength” earlier this year. The ISI inspection noted that the school fosters a culture where students’ views are not only heard but deeply embedded in the life of the community, substantially developing their confidence and sense of responsibility. This is further strengthened by its “Performance for All” philosophy, which encourages students of all ages and abilities to participate in performing arts and technical theatre. Radnor House Sevenoaks’s approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to develop the confidence and communication skills needed to thrive in their future careers and personal lives.

David Paton, head of Radnor House Sevenoaks, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students. To win acclaim in such high-calibre competitions is a phenomenal achievement. Developing the ability to articulate is fundamental to success in so many different spheres. The debate team won because they were empathetic, respectful, and able to think deeply about complex issues. The Performing Arts Scholars were commended because they could elicit emotion in their audience. These national victories are a wonderful reflection of our school’s commitment to empowering young people to find their voice and use it to engage meaningfully with the world.”