A Year 10 student from Ealing has moved a step closer to the grand final of the UK’s largest youth public speaking competition, which will be held in London’s West End in July.
Margot Griffiths, representing The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, was named regional champion at the Ealing regional final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge last month (27 January 2026) at Featherstone High School.
As regional champion, Margot receives a £100 voucher and progresses to the online semi-finals, where she will compete for a place in the grand final and a £5,000 prize package.
The annual programme involves more than 35,000 Year 10 students from over 500 state schools across London and Essex. It is organised by the public speaking charity Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation.
Judges said Margot delivered a confident and compelling speech with clarity and conviction. After winning, she said: “I’m so proud. Thank you to my wonderful school and family for their forever support.”
She was followed by runner-up Emilia Sibley and third-place finalist Yara El-Yassine, both from Ada Lovelace Church of England High School. Emilia said: “Thank you to my teachers. This is all so whimsical!”
The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, attended and praised the finalists. He said: “All I see here today is energy, focus and leadership. The future is rosy in Ealing.”
