That is why I was particularly pleased when Mr Viesel, Director of Sixth Form, introduced a new format to our Inter-House Debating Competition this year. The structure of speed debating challenged our students to construct and refute arguments on the spot, with only 30 seconds to prepare. In doing so, they had to think critically, speak with clarity, and respond with confidence, key skills that underpin our daily teaching across all year groups, from Reception to Sixth Form. We are committed to nurturing fearless, thoughtful learners and debating offers a rich opportunity to build those attributes.

During last Friday’s assembly, we watched a group of brave and articulate Year 10 students take part in the debating heats in front of the whole school. With only seconds to prepare and respond, pairs of students faced opposite each other to tackle a range of motions, from whether GCSE Art should be made compulsory, to whether animals should be kept in zoos, or whether TikTok is better than Netflix. One of the more thornier topics was: this house believes mobile phones do more good than harm. The fast-paced nature of speed debating pushed them to engage deeply, think on their feet and examine both sides of an argument even when it was not a view they personally held.

Our students embraced the intellectual challenge of debating, pushing their persuasive abilities to the limits. Indeed, many delivered compelling arguments that convincingly swayed the audience.

This, for me, is at the heart of why disagreeing well matters. I have always encouraged my students to listen to voices they may not agree with, and to approach differing viewpoints with curiosity rather than judgement. It can be tempting to think there is only one ‘right’ answer, but real understanding comes when we allow ourselves to engage with diversity of thought and explore complexity even, and especially, when it leads to disagreement.

And yet, disagreement does not have to mean division. In fact, it can be a powerful force for connection, growth and learning if approached with respect and empathy. That is why we place such importance on teaching our girls the art of disagreeing well. It prepares them not only to succeed in their future careers, where they will work alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds, but also to lead with conviction and compassion. 

As experts in girls’ education since 1878, we have a duty to ensure that our students leave us not just academically capable, but also socially aware and emotionally intelligent. If our aim is to send young women into the world with the ambition of making it a better, fairer and more inclusive place, then we must equip them with the skills to engage in respectful, thoughtful, and courageous conversations.

At Northampton High School, we aim to prepare our students to be the future leaders, changemakers, reflective thinkers and active contributors to society. As such, mastering the art of disagreeing well empowers them to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It strengthens their ability to solve problems collaboratively, fosters resilience in the face of adversity, and ensures that their voices contribute meaningfully to dialogue. 

Democracy depends on dialogue, not division. We cannot simply shout louder to be heard. We must learn to listen as well as to speak. I was immensely proud of our Year 10 students for demonstrating this so powerfully in their debates last week. They showed us that disagreeing well is not about winning an argument; it is about understanding the issue, articulating a view with confidence, and always respecting the person on the other side.

In an age when so much public discourse is shaped by social media where outrage often replaces reflection, and disagreement can quickly become personal, this lesson is more important than ever. By fostering a culture of open-minded, respectful debate, we are preparing our girls not only to succeed, but to lead with integrity. And by learning to disagree with respect, they contribute to a culture of healthy, constructive discourse, which is something the world sorely needs.

Dr May Lee
Head