A debating society has found its next school champion.

The pupils from Fulham Boys School in Hammersmith came first at the English-Speaking Union’s London Debate Challenge at Dartmouth House in Mayfair on Tuesday.

Former contestant Tommy Seagull said: “Every school child should learn how to debate, not just as a fringe activity, but as something that’s absolutely integral to the national curriculum.

“If you’re able to articulate your thoughts it makes it more difficult to be excluded by the big and the powerful.

“If you teach kids to debate you give them the chance to have their voice heard and you give them the power not to be ignored.”

Some of the schools that attended were:

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School in Nether Street, North Finchley, Barnet

Winchmore School in Laburnum Grove, Enfield

Duke’s Aldridge Academy in Trulock Road, Haringey

Avanti House School in Wemborough Road, Stanmore, Harrow

Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow, Waltham Forest