Saltus students were commended for their performances at a global debating and public speaking contest in Britain.

Jordan Williams, Callie Lucas, Tera Hassen and Christopher Madeiros represented the school in Bristol last week for the 2026 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship, hosted on the Clifton College campus.

The students earned their place to represent Saltus through a highly competitive national selection process, the school said.

Mr Williams, a Grade 10 student, delivered “an exceptional performance”, earning second place in persuasive speaking.

He also came second as overall speaker, which the school called “an extraordinary accomplishment” at one of the world’s most competitive student speaking events.

Ms Lucas made it to the finals in after-dinner speaking while Ms Hassen qualified for the semi-finals in the impromptu and persuasive speaking categories.

The competition brought together approximately 165 of the world’s top student speakers from 17 countries.

Julie Rousseau, the head of school, praised the team’s achievements and said students continue to distinguish themselves on the global stage through confidence, clarity of thought and commitment to excellence.

She added: “To see them consistently performing at such a high level against the world’s best speakers is a testament to their dedication, the strength of our programme and the support of our coaches and community.”

Mr Williams said he was “very grateful for the dedication and expertise of our coach, Ms Dakin”, while Ms Lucas said the event served as an “excellent opportunity” to showcase her skills and to form friendships with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Ms Hassen said the event was a “fantastic experience again this year”.

“Between making two semi-finals, meeting new friends and watching my team-mates excel, I was wholly satisfied with my progress. I truly saw all of our hard work come to fruition.”

Mr Madeiros said he enjoyed the competition and gained experience in public speaking despite falling short of what he set out to achieve.

He said he was “freshly motivated” to become the best version of himself.

The school said the experience built on an extraordinary year for its students, following standout performances at the 2025 International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition in Maine in the US, where Saltus was named top overseas school.

Saltus was represented at both the National Schools Debate Tournament and the Bermuda Spring Debating and Public Speaking Tournament.

The team thanked the Bermuda branch of the English Speaking Union for sponsoring students to represent the island.