Wales has achieved its best ever result at the World Schools Debating Championships, reaching the Grand Final in a competition between 48 nations taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.

In the final, Wales faced Scotland, debating the motion “This house regrets South Africa's decision to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission rather than prosecuting perpetrators of crimes committed under Apartheid”. The Welsh team comprises Amy Jones, 18, of Y Pant Comprehensive School, Pontyclun; Helen Price, 17, of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls; David Wigley, 17, of Bishop of Llandaff High School, Cardiff; and Piers Digby, 17, of Monmouth School. The team has been coached by Harry Thomas.

Wales won 6 of its 8 initial debates, achieving a ranking of 7th place after the preliminary rounds. They then defeated India and Ireland in the first two knock-out rounds. Wales then met England in the semi-final, defeating them by 6 judges to 1 on the topic “This House supports a 100% tax on inherited wealth”.

The World Schools Debating Championships is an annual event, first organised in Australia in 1988. Teams debate a mixture of prepared topics (provided several weeks in advance) and impromptu topics with only one hour’s preparation. The Welsh team is selected from outstanding competitors in the Wales Schools Debating Championships, organised by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs with support from the British Council.

Martin Pollard, Chief Executive of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by four dedicated young debaters. We’ve been taking part in the World Schools Debating Championships for nearly 20 years and this is the first time we’ve reached the Final, so everyone is very excited. This competition is all about communication and bright ideas, and it’s great that we can show off the skills of young Welsh people to so many other countries.”

Information on the World Schools Debating Championships: www.schoolsdebate.com