A massive well done to Kateriel 10RH and Asia 10ST for competing in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Regional Final yesterday. The girls competed against other students from different schools in Barking and Dagenham. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to get up on the stage and compete. We are so proud of the amazing public speaking skills you demonstrated and the powerful messages you sent to the members of the audience and judges.

We are also delighted to announce that Asia won! Asia is now through to the semi-finals, and is among the top 0.2% of young public speakers in London and Essex. 

This is the press release from the Speakers Trust:

‘Asia Francis, a talented student from The Sydney Russell School, recently achieved a remarkable victory at the Barking & Dagenham Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. This prestigious event, held on March 25, 2025, is part of the largest public speaking programme in England, managed by Speakers Trust and supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

The competition saw 14 participants in the final, with a total of 735 young people taking part. Asia’s speech, titled “You Can’t Change the Past,” delivered a powerful message about embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and self-improvement, rather than succumbing to the pressure of perfectionism and self-expectation.

Asia expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I believe anyone can do it!” This sentiment reflects the core aim of the Speak Out Challenge, which is to amplify young voices by building confidence and developing communication skills.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides free communication skills training to Year 10 students in every state school in London and Essex, empowering over 30,000 young people each year. More information about the programme can be found at jpspeakoutchallenge.com.

Congratulations again to everyone at The Sydney Russell School

Best wishes

Speakers Trust

Winner , Barking & Dagenham Asia Francis, The Sydney Russell School’