The deep division over British EU membership was mirrored by school students last week as a debate on the issue was split 50 – 50.

Although neither side was able to secure a majority on Friday (November 13), Roding Valley High School’s team was judged to come out on top at the Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition.

The winning team of Doncho Atanassov and Matthew Tinker spoke against the motion of “This House believes that it would be in Britain’s best interests to remain within the European Union.”

Matthew said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won.

“It’s amazing to have won the debate on behalf of the school.”

Roding Valley head teacher James Luck said: “I was so impressed with the overall standard of debating which makes the efforts of Doncho and Matthew all the more impressive.

“They put a huge amount of work into this and were ably supported by their research team of students and staff.

“A real team effort, congratulations to all.”

Eight schools took part in the annual event organised by MP Eleanor Laing, and hosted this year at Davenant Foundation School in Loughton.

Mrs Laing said: “I was extremely impressed by the exceptionally high standard of the debate.

“The arguments were intelligent and well-constructed.

“I am always pleased when it is a lively debate.”