The SPEAR Oratory Prize for 16–18 Year Olds.

You be the judge.

Sign up to judge
Step up. Stand up. Speak up. Sign up...
The SPEAR Sovereign Minds Oratory Prize invites anyone aged between 16–18 to deliver a speech on one of the ten SPEAR target subjects

Finalists’ speeches will be judged by influential voices on the global stage in a prestigious central London location.
 

The winner will be awarded the SPEAR Sovereign Minds Oratory Prize of  £10,000.

We are currently accepting applications for judges for the following three stages:

Qualifiers

Saturday, 31st January 2026
Four London Schools (North, East, South, West)

Quarter-finals

Saturday, 14th February 2026
The Naval and Military Club, London

Semi-finals

Saturday, 28th February 2026
Houses of Parliament
Who are Sovereign Minds?

We are a UK-based educational initiative that works with young people to nurture their skills, mindfulness, curiosity, critical thinking and independence – helping participants to succeed in both their careers and also their roles as responsible global citizens. 
Inspire your students to apply for the SPEAR Oratory Prize.
Book an assembly
Competition Information
Volunteering to judge will be a rewarding chance to support entrants in developing their oratory skills.

Not only will you enjoy an enriching experience, networking opportunities and the satisfaction of shaping future generations... it will be fun too!
Download Information Pack
The SPEAR Targets
These ten SPEAR targets form the heart of the competition. Each topic challenges students to think deeply about issues that shape our world — from justice and innovation to courage and community.

Judges will hear speeches inspired by these themes, each one a personal reflection on what truly matters to the speaker.
View the SPEAR topics
For individuals

Scale new heights

Our programme focuses on developing mindfulness, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the desire and ability to pursue ideas independently.
Start your journey
Start your journey
For organisations

Let's get together

Become our partner of choice in inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global and sustainable economy.

Join us
Join us

Share this page