Loreto students have won praise and prizes for their oratory skills after taking part in the prestigious Debating Matters competition for the third year running.

Run by the Institute of Ideas the national competition encourages students to argue about controversial and important topics such medical ethics and freedom of speech.

Cheered on by fellow members of the college Debating Club Loreto won their first debate, beating Bolton School by arguing against the motion that ‘extremist religious and political groups should be banned from universities.’ Ms Tattersall, who runs the Debating Club said the judges praised students Katherine Lyonette and John Connolly for their fluency and exceptional teamwork.

In the final Loreto went on to meet rivals from last year, Ashton Sixth Form College, to argue against the motion that: ‘financial incentives provide the best solution to the crisis of organ and tissue donation.                                       

Ms Tattersall praised the students’ skill: “It was an explosive and passionate debate but Laura Foley and Joy Steele were narrowly beaten into second place, after doing extraordinarily well under questioning from judges, audience and the opposing side,” she said.

Katherine won the coveted ‘best speaker’ award for the evening – the third time she has won this accolade as she took the top spot at last year’s Manchester round and the North West Regional Finals.