We are thrilled to congratulate Quest student, Idorenyin Akpan on her success at the Croydon “Speak Out” Challenge! Regional Final, which was hosted by The Quest Academy on Thursday 27th April.

Idorenyin’s public speaking performance was voted on by an independent judging panel comprising of Donald Forde, Head of Crystal Palace Football Club Foundation; Simon de Cintra, Creative Director, Act Naturally; Sandeep Shah, Head of Communications & PR, JPF; Kit Smith, Freelance Actor, Musician and Corporate Trainer; Clare Denty, Director, The Female Speaking Academy; Kyle K Kinsella, #iWill Campaign Youth Ambassador; Helena Holrick, Chief Cheerleader at Helping You Shine; Eloise Cleminson, JPSOC Winner, Croydon, 2015.

Each year over 18,000 students across London and Essex take part in Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! the world’s largest public speaking competition. Idorenyin’s award proudly witnesses their hard work and dedication to this competition. Should you be keen to celebrate their achievement in school we have attached a range of ideas that may be of interest.

There are 37 different Regional Champions, these are among the top 0.2% of young speakers in London and Essex. Frankie Rushton, Jack Petchey Programme Director said, “We are always blown away by the talent and ability of these young speakers. On behalf of Speakers Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation we congratulate you on this outstanding achievement.”

To decide which speakers will go forward to the Grand Final, a panel of judges will meet on Monday 22 May 2017 (after the last Regional Final) to collectively review the videos of all 37 Regional Champions. Based on the content, delivery and structure of the speeches, the judges will decide on the 15 Grand Finalists who will speak at Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! Grand Final on 3rd July 2016 in London’s West End. The winner of this Grand Final will receive a £2,000 bond for themselves and £3,000 for their school to spend on a project of their choice.