Debating Coach

Oxford Scholars; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A reputable educational program based in Oxford seeks a passionate Debating Coach to lead debate training across summer programmes. Successful candidates will deliver structured sessions, assess student progress, and provide constructive feedback, all while ensuring an ethical learning environment. Flexibility is a must, along with experience in coaching debates and skills in presenting engaging materials. The role offers a competitive hourly wage and has a total of 30 hours available during the summer months.

Benefits

Competitive hourly wage

Opportunity to work with youth

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of debating principles and practice.
• Genuine passion for helping students grow and improve.
• Confidence when delivering sessions to large groups.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured debating training across all three programmes.
• Lead introduction to debating fundamentals.
• Teach collaborative preparation strategies.

Skills

Understanding of debating principles

Passion for helping students

Organizational abilities

Confidence delivering sessions

Flexibility and patience

Experience in debates coaching

Job description

• Programme Dates: 5 July – 16 July, 20 July – 31 July, 4 August – 15 August
• Number of Positions: 1
• Compensation: £25-30 per hour (depending on experience)
• Contract Type: Short-term
• Total Hours: 30 hours across the summer

The Debating Coach will be contracted to deliver coaching across all three programmes, with the number of hours varying per cohort based on the size and structure of each competition cycle.

Debating Overview:

Through OSP, students gain the exceptional opportunity to engage in debating sessions. Under the guidance of experienced mentors and guest speakers, participants develop confidence, clarity of thought, and persuasive communication skills. These sessions encourage intellectual curiosity and respectful discourse, allowing students to exchange ideas in the very chambers where global leaders, thinkers, and changemakers have spoken.

Deliver Structured Debating Training Across All Three Programmes:

Deliver effective debating instruction per programme, following a three-session structure that includes foundational training, applied practice, and final competitive debates.

Lead Session 1: Introduction to Debating Fundamentals:

Introduce students to the purpose and ground rules of debating, highlighting respect, sensitivity, and intellectual curiosity.

Guide students through:

• Watching and analysing a model debate speech
• Understanding debate substance (types of debates, forming arguments)
• Participating in group exercises where teams identify debate types and construct initial arguments
• Facilitate reflective discussion and group feedback.

Lead Session 2: Applied Skills, Teamwork & Rapid Preparation:

Teach students collaborative preparation strategies, including actor analysis, anticipating rebuttals, and structuring team arguments.

Run multiple rounds of timed preparation sessions where:

• Students receive a motion
• Teams allocate roles and prepare in 15 minutes
• Different team members deliver one-minute speeches
• Other teams provide feedback
• Each round focuses on a different skill (e.g., crafting an effective introduction).
• Close with group reflection and briefing for the finals.

Judge and Facilitate Session 3: Final Debates:

• Lead three final debates, applying consistent rules and providing fair, constructive adjudication.
• Offer holistic feedback to teams and individual speakers.

Teach Core Debating Skills:

Support students in developing argument formulation, critical thinking, lateral analysis, strategic planning, and confident public speaking

Maintain a Supportive and Ethical Learning Environment:

Ensure debating remains respectful and intellectually safe.

Reinforce the importance of kindness, sensitivity, and constructive engagement—especially when addressing controversial topics or positions students may not personally support.

Prepare Students in Advance:

Request and review student lists to pre-assign balanced groups for all debating sessions.

Maintain consistent groupings to support teamwork, familiarity, and progressive skill-building.

Prepare and Use Teaching Materials Effectively:

Create and share slides ahead of sessions to promote active listening, fostering a more conversational and interactive environment.

Provide Meaningful Feedback and Closing Guidance:

Offer actionable feedback at every stage—from exercises to prep rounds to final debates.

With OSP’s approval, share follow-up resources to help students continue exploring debating after the programme.

Uphold OSP’s safeguarding standards, monitor student welfare throughout sessions, and elevate any concerns promptly.

Coaching Schedule:

• Debate Training Sessions: 6 hours total
• Debating Competition: 3 hours
• Debate Training Sessions: 8 hours total
• Debating Competition: 4 hours
• Training Sessions: 6 hours total
• Debating Competition: 3 hours

The Ideal Candidate:

• Strong and comprehensive understanding of debating principles and practice
• A genuine passion for helping students grow and improve
• Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail
• Confidence when delivering sessions to large groups
• Flexibility, patience, and a supportive approach to coaching
• The capability to design high-quality presentations and learning materials
• Comfort working with young students across a range of ages
• Confidence collaborating with OSP staff
• Prior experience in debates coaching (preferred)
• An interest in pursuing a pathway in teaching or the wider education sector (preferred)

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete the online application form:

• Please complete the online application form which will require you to attach your CV
• Short-listed applicants will then be invited to an online interview
• Successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS check and must provide their right-to-work documents for our records
• Any personal data you submit as part of your application will be kept securely in compliance with GDPR regulations

Application Deadline: 15th February 2026

(Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.)

OSP is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff members undergo enhanced DBS checks. Only candidates who are successful in their application will be contacted. This advertisement is inclusive and does not discriminate based on gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Applicants are evaluated solely on their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role. Requests for reasonable adjustments—such as accessible documents or interview accommodations—are welcomed and should be shared with the recruitment team.