Debater in Residence

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and personable Debater in Residence to support and develop our debating and public-speaking programme. Co-curricular debate clubs run twice a week and there are regular competitions, both BP style university and MACE schools led. Last year we progressed through the west London round of ESU MACE.

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

The Debater in Residence is responsible for developing, managing, and promoting a high-quality debating programme that builds students’ critical thinking, public speaking, research, and leadership skills. They will work closely with the Head of Debating and Director of Oracy to ensure that FHS continues to have a thriving Debating programme.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong team building, communication skills, warmth and empathy. They will have a high-level of organisational and interpersonal skills, be committed to maintaining the nurturing and supportive ethos of the school, and be an enthusiastic, caring and positive role model within the School community.

Our ideal candidate will be a recent school leaver, current university student, or recent graduate with a passion for debate. They will have extensive personal experience of competitive debating at a high level and of convening and judging school competitions and a passion for helping young people develop as debaters, including beyond the classroom (e.g. answering emails from students about motions).

They will create an approachable and friendly environment in the classroom, be capable of working independently with initiative, and be a competent organiser. They will be available during some term-time weekends to accompany FHS teams to tournaments (exact requirements negotiable) and be based in London during term time.

Responsibilities:

• Taking responsibility for the safeguarding of young people in line with the school’s policies and procedures.

• In conjunction with the Head of Debating, planning and overseeing the Senior School’s co-curricular debating programme.

• Working with and instructing pupils between the ages of 11 and 18.

• Preparing for and delivering two 90-minute workshop sessions after school. Sessions should include both skill-based and content-based material and should be interactive with drills and exercises and practical debates.

• Training students in debating formats (e.g. British Parliamentary, ESU MACE).

• Developing students’ skills in argument, rebuttal, research, teamwork, and delivery.

• Supporting the Head of Debating in selecting and preparing teams for internal and external debating competitions.

• Helping to organise participation in inter-school, regional, and national debating events.

• Training students (and staff where relevant) in adjudication standards and practices.

• Ensuring fair, consistent judging in internal competitions.

• Providing constructive feedback to debaters and teams.

• When needed, accompanying groups of pupils to in-person and online events. Providing constructive feedback in an appropriate manner to students to help them improve over time. During tournaments, watching the rooms that FHS teams are participating in to provide feedback.

Application

For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page:

Closing date: 8:00am on Monday, 22nd June 2026.

Interviews: w/c Monday, 22nd June 2026.

Applications will be considered as they are received. xiskglj The school reserves the right to appoint at any stage.