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    In-person Programme

    Debate Summer Programme

    by ISSOS

    A residential debating course that develops persuasive speaking, critical thinking and teamwork through British Parliamentary debate and coached practice.

    Last verified: 19 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Debate Summer Programme

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    Debate Summer Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    B2 English; no academic requirements

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge; St Andrews

    Cost

    £7,900

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person residential

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    DebatingPublic SpeakingCritical Analysis

    Accommodation: University halls of residence

    Meals: Full board

    Outcome: Academic report; completion certificate

    Academic schedule: 3 hours each weekday

    Programme structure: One academic and one elective

    Final event: Final Night Debate

    Debate Summer Programme summary

    Students learn British Parliamentary Debate through coached speaking, argument building, rebuttal and teamwork.

    The residential experience combines weekday academic classes with an elective, activities, evening programmes and cultural trips.

    It suits both beginners and experienced debaters who want structured practice and a chance to contribute to a final community debate.

    What is Debate Summer Programme?

    The Debate Summer Programme is an ISSOS residential course centred on British Parliamentary Debate. Students learn speech delivery, persuasive language, argument structure, rebuttal and the conventions of this widely used debate format.

    Academic classes are paired with an elective and a wider programme of activities and cultural trips. The course culminates in a Final Night Debate, where selected students compete while other class members support the event through judging or floor speeches.

    Why Succeed highlights Debate Summer Programme

    • British Parliamentary Debate gives the course a clear, recognised structure rather than generic public-speaking practice.

    • Three-hour weekday academic classes provide sustained time for speaking, argument and rebuttal work.

    • The programme accepts complete beginners while still accommodating students with debate experience.

    • The Final Night Debate creates a practical goal and gives every Debate student a role.

    • Academic study is balanced with an elective, activities and cultural trips.

    Who is Debate Summer Programme for?

    Best for

    Students who want intensive, practical coaching in debate, persuasive speaking and critical thinking within a residential international community.

    Not ideal if

    You need a non-residential option, financial aid or a programme focused only on competitive tournament results.

    Is Debate Summer Programme worth it?

    This programme can be worthwhile for students who will use the repeated speaking practice, structured argument training and international residential setting. The blend of debate, an elective and wider activities offers more than a classroom-only course.

    The financial commitment is substantial, and the programme provides a completion certificate rather than an academic qualification. Its value therefore depends on active participation and whether the student wants a broad summer-school experience alongside debate training.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £7,900; includes Academic tuition, Elective tuition, Full-board accommodation, Course materials and equipment, Cultural trips and excursions, Evening activities and Sunday workshops, Insurance and designated airport transfers, Academic report and completion certificate.

    Accommodation

    University halls of residence

    Meals

    Full board

    Provider details

    Review the ISSOS provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Cambridge; St Andrews.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Debate Summer Programme need?

    Effort level

    High and sustained.

    Best started

    Begin planning several months before the intended summer session because places are first come, first served and the application needs school, teacher and guardian details.

    Main challenge

    Building clear arguments and responding confidently under time pressure.

    Typical preparation

    • Practise delivering short timed speeches on unfamiliar motions.

    • Read current-affairs coverage from reliable sources and compare contrasting viewpoints.

    • Prepare the required student, school, teacher and parent information before starting the application.

    Useful if

    You want to improve public speaking, essay structure, teamwork or critical thinking.

    What do students do on Debate Summer Programme?

    Students learn the British Parliamentary format through instruction and practical debates, then apply persuasive speaking, evidence selection, active listening and rebuttal in teams.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the roles, rules and speech structure used in British Parliamentary Debate.

    2. 2

      Develop arguments from reliable information and multiple perspectives.

    3. 3

      Practise persuasive language, voice projection, body language and stage presence.

    4. 4

      Deliver timed speeches and respond to arguments made by other teams.

    5. 5

      Work with teammates to prepare cases, rebut opposition and adapt quickly.

    6. 6

      Contribute to the Final Night Debate as a speaker, judge or floor speaker.

    Debate Summer Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Cambridge session

    8-29 July 2026

    Three-week residential session.

    Reference date

    St Andrews session 1

    28 June-19 July 2026

    Three-week residential session.

    Reference date

    St Andrews session 2

    22 July-12 August 2026

    Three-week residential session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students must be aged 13-18.

    • English level must be B2 or above.

    • Students may apply from anywhere in the world.

    • No academic grades or entry qualifications are required.

    • Each nationality is limited to 10% of intake.

    • English-language learners complete a pre-arrival level assessment.

    How much does Debate Summer Programme cost?

    Programme fee

    £7,900 — All-inclusive published total.

    Funding or discounts

    • Registration fee: £500 — Required before a place is confirmed.
    • Tuition fee: £7,400 — Due within 21 days of confirmation.

    What's included

    Academic tuition, Elective tuition, Full-board accommodation, Course materials and equipment, Cultural trips and excursions, Evening activities and Sunday workshops, Insurance and designated airport transfers, Academic report and completion certificate

    How to apply to Debate Summer Programme

    1. 1

      Complete the online form with session, academic and elective choices.

    2. 2

      Add the student's photo and personal details.

    3. 3

      Provide school, teacher and parent or guardian details.

    4. 4

      Submit the application for review by the Head Office team.

    5. 5

      Pay the £500 registration fee to secure a confirmed place.

    6. 6

      Pay the remaining tuition fee within 21 days of confirmation.

    What does Debate Summer Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    British Parliamentary Debate

    Learn team roles, timed speeches and the structure of BP rounds.

    Argument and rebuttal

    Build convincing cases and respond directly to opposing arguments.

    Persuasive speaking

    Develop speech delivery, projection, body language and stage presence.

    Critical analysis

    Examine complex world issues using reliable information and varied perspectives.

    Team debate practice

    Collaborate under time pressure and adapt arguments during live rounds.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Debate Summer Programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic class

    Students attend three hours of academic teaching each weekday.

    Elective

    Each student pairs Debate with a creative or sporting elective.

    Activities and trips

    Students join evening activities, clan events and cultural trips.

    Who teaches on Debate Summer Programme?

    ISSOS selects experienced debate and public-speaking coaches with professional teaching, coaching and adjudication backgrounds. Featured staff have worked with schools, universities, national debate teams and major international competitions.

    The featured teachers illustrate the expected calibre of staff and may not teach every session.

    Where do students stay on Debate Summer Programme?

    Residential plan

    • University halls: Students live in halls reserved for ISSOS at their selected campus.
    • Single or twin rooms: Bedrooms include a desk, wardrobe and shelving for each student.
    • Full-board dining: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the programme fee.
    • Campus community: Evening activities, cultural trips and international friendships extend beyond class.

    Rooms are allocated after applications close; bathroom arrangements vary by campus and room type.

    What happens after Debate Summer Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use stronger speaking and argument skills in school presentations and discussions.

    Apply critical analysis and evidence selection to essays and academic work.

    Build confidence for school, university or community debating.

    Receive an academic report and completion certificate.

    Contribute to a public final debate as a speaker, judge or floor speaker.

    Selection for a competing team in the Final Night Debate is not guaranteed.

    Where does Debate Summer Programme take place?

    The programme runs at university campuses in Cambridge, England, and St Andrews, Scotland. Cambridge students live at St Edmund's College near the city centre, while St Andrews students stay at St Salvator's Hall close to the town centre and coast.

    Designated airport transfers are included only within the provider's published travel windows.

    Debate Summer Programme FAQs

    The programme teaches British Parliamentary Debate. Students learn the team roles, timed speech format, argument structure and rebuttal used in BP rounds.

    No. The course is designed for complete beginners as well as experienced debaters.

    Students need English at B2 level or above. Those who speak English as a second language complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival.

    Each student chooses an elective and joins evening activities, Sunday workshops and cultural trips as part of the residential programme.

    Students stay in university halls reserved for ISSOS. Bedrooms are single or twin, with room and bathroom arrangements varying by campus.

    Yes. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Cambridge campus can accommodate many dietary requirements when notified in advance.

    Coaches select the best and most improved students for the competing teams. Other Debate students contribute by judging or giving floor speeches.

    Yes. The all-inclusive programme package includes an academic report and a completion certificate.

    Alternatives to Debate Summer Programme

    Compare these related programmes if you want debate, politics, law or public-speaking experience in a different setting.

    Alternatives to Debate Summer Programme

    Law Summer Course
    Recently closed

    Cambridge law study with debating

    Debating
    3 Aug 2026
    From £6295
    14-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students who want debate skills tied directly to law.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • ISSOS - Summer School Application
    • St Andrews Summer School - ISSOS
    • Summer School Accommodation at St Andrews - ISSOS
    • All-Inclusive Catering | Cambridge Summer School | ISSOS
    • Summer School Accommodation at Cambridge - ISSOS
    • Arrival and Departure - ISSOS
    • Terms and Conditions - ISSOS
    • Summer School Application Process - ISSOS
    • Summer School Fees - ISSOS
    • Debate School Teachers - ISSOS
    • British Parliamentary Debate - ISSOS
    • Benefits of Debate Summer School - ISSOS
    • Debate Summer School - ISSOS

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 19 Aug 2026)

    • Programme format checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Fees cross-checked

    • Eligibility confirmed

    • Application steps reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    • Teacher information reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.