28 Apr 2026

The Power of Oracy: Why Giving Every Child a Voice Matters Now More Than Ever

But for others, it is a long-overdue recognition of something they have championed for decades: that the ability to speak, listen and communicate effectively is fundamental to success in school, work and life.

At Moreton Hall, oracy has long been a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. Since 1953, pupils have developed their spoken communication skills through the English Speaking Board framework—embedding confidence, clarity and critical thinking at the heart of school life. As national policy evolves, the school’s long-standing commitment places it firmly ahead of the curve.

A national moment for spoken language

The Government’s plans reflect a growing consensus among educators and employers alike: speaking and listening are not “soft skills”—they are essential skills. Research from Oracy Cambridge highlights that oracy underpins academic achievement, supports wellbeing, and plays a crucial role in shaping young people’s prospects.

In the modern workplace, these skills are more important than ever. Employers consistently rank communication, collaboration and the ability to articulate ideas clearly among the most sought-after attributes. Oracy Cambridge’s work emphasises that strong spoken language skills are closely linked to employability, enabling young people not only to access opportunities but to thrive within them. As automation and artificial intelligence reshape industries, it is these human capabilities—persuasion, empathy, and reasoning—that provide a lasting competitive edge.

More than speaking: a foundation for learning

Oracy sits at the heart of learning itself. When pupils are encouraged to articulate their ideas, engage in discussion, and present their thinking, they deepen their understanding across all subjects. The classroom becomes a dynamic space—not just for absorbing knowledge, but for exploring it, challenging it and making it their own.

Oracy builds confidence. Speaking clearly and being heard empowers young people to contribute, lead, and express themselves with clarity and purpose. That confidence carries beyond the classroom, shaping how pupils approach interviews, university applications and future careers.

Preparing pupils for a complex world

Oracy plays a vital role in developing critical thinking. Through structured discussion and debate, pupils learn to evaluate competing perspectives, construct arguments and challenge assumptions. They learn to listen actively and respond thoughtfully—skills that are essential in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

At Moreton Hall School in Shropshire, these skills are brought to life through ambitious, real-world topics within the Grade 8 English Speaking Board Assessment in Speech. This year, Lower Sixth students explored issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry, the ethics of genetic modification, and the boundaries of social media marketing. These are not simple conversations—but they are exactly the kind of discussions that prepare young people to engage critically and confidently with the world around them.

Excellence in action

The impact of this sustained focus on oracy is clear—and it begins early. Pupils at School X undertake English Speaking Board assessments from as young as Year 1, building confidence and communication skills progressively throughout their school journey.

Oracy is not confined to occasional assessments; it is embedded in the school's culture. In the Prep School, pupils compete each year for a coveted oracy trophy, celebrating clarity of speech, creativity and confidence. As pupils move into senior years, the ESB framework is fully integrated into Key Stage 3 English, ensuring that spoken language development sits alongside reading and writing as a core academic discipline.

Beyond the classroom, opportunities to perform and present are woven into school life. Whole-school poetry slams have become a highlight of divisional competitions, with pupils not only performing but actively supporting and encouraging one another—often sharing powerful, self-composed work. From Year 1 to Year 11, students also participate in Speech and Drama festivals, developing confidence in front of a wider audience while building the discipline and resilience that performance requires.

These experiences culminate in exceptional outcomes. In the most recent English Speaking Board assessments, every pupil entered for Grade 5 achieved a Distinction. At Grade 8, 24 out of 26 Lower Sixth students were awarded Distinction, with the remaining two achieving Merit.

These results reflect more than academic success. They point to a culture in which pupils are encouraged to think deeply, speak confidently and listen with respect—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.

Leading the way in a national movement

As the country prepares to introduce a new oracy-focused curriculum, Moreton Hall stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when spoken language is treated as a core entitlement rather than an optional extra.

The Government’s reforms are both welcome and necessary. But they also highlight a simple truth: schools that invest in oracy are not just improving outcomes, they are transforming lives.

Because oracy is, ultimately, about more than communication. It is about confidence. It is about opportunity. And, most importantly, it is about giving every child a voice and ensuring they know how to use it.

Sarah Pritchard

Head of Spoken English

Moreton Hall School, Shropshire

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19 Mar 2026

Record Home Internationals Call-Ups for Moreton Hall Lacrosse

Set to take place at Lilleshall National Sports Centre this April, the Home Internationals brings together the U20 and Senior Men’s and Women’s national teams as they compete for Home Internationals honours. This year, Moreton’s representation is stronger than ever, reflecting the depth of talent, commitment and ambition within the lacrosse programme.

An impressive eight current pupils have been selected to represent their countries. Upper Sixth pupils Lana, Emily and Jemima have all earned places in the Wales U20 squad, joined by Lower Sixth pupil Alexa, Upper Fifth pupil Nina and Lower Fifth pupil Lily. At 14, she is one of the youngest Moreton players ever to be selected to represent her country at this level. Lower Sixth pupil Matilda has been selected for England U20, while Upper Sixth pupil, lacrosse captain and Deputy Head Girl Lizzie has achieved the outstanding honour of being chosen for the Wales Women’s A Squad.

Lizzie’s selection makes this achievement even more special, as she will line up alongside Moreton Hall Lacrosse Coach Miss Jones, who has also been selected for the Wales Women’s A Squad. Guiding them both is Moreton Hall’s Head of Lacrosse, Mrs Walsh (Bates), who will lead the national side as Wales Women’s Head Coach.

The strength of Moreton lacrosse is also evident in the success of our Old Moretonians, with a record number returning to the international stage. Romilly and Eliza Pickering have been selected for Wales U20, Milly Home for the England Women’s A Squad, Ellie Jones and Coco Harpin for the Wales Women’s A Squad, and Emma Barnes, Annabel Noble and Kiara Kenney for the Wales Women’s B Squad.

In total, 17 members of the Moreton lacrosse family, past and present, will be involved in the tournament, alongside our Head of Lacrosse in a national coaching role. It is a tremendous achievement and a proud reflection of the culture surrounding lacrosse at Moreton Hall: one built on hard work, resilience, teamwork, and a genuine love of the game.

The tournament will run from Friday, 10th to Sunday, 12th April and promises to be a fantastic opportunity for fans of the sport to show their support. Spectators will be able to watch England, Scotland and Wales in action, with guest nations Czechia and Japan also taking part.

This year’s competition carries added significance too, as attention begins to turn towards the 2026 Women’s Lacrosse World Championship in Tokyo later this summer.

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18 Mar 2026

Moreton Hall Motocross Star Holly Accelerates into a New Season

Competing at an exceptionally high level in a sport that demands courage, resilience and unwavering determination, Holly continues to show that it is possible to pursue elite sport while thriving academically. Her newly upgraded bike, now decorated with the logos of her sponsors, including Moreton Hall, marks the start of what promises to be a hugely exciting season.

This year will be Holly’s rookie season on the Honda 250F, and she is already feeling positive about the transition.

Holly said: “This year will be my rookie season on the Honda 250F. I am already feeling really happy with the bike and we are making improvements to the setup each time we go to the track. This season I will be competing in the ACU British Women’s Championship, AMCA British Championship, FXR Area Championship against male riders, and selected EMX European rounds, as well as having some exciting plans towards the end of the season.”

Holly heads into 2026 on the back of an outstanding year, having been crowned Vice ACU British Champion, Vice AMCA British Champion and Vice Scottish Cup Champion. With impressive results already to her name, she has set her sights even higher for the season ahead.

She added: “Last year went well for me, but I have bigger goals that I am willing to work hard towards, with all the support I currently have going into 2026.

“The next few months are looking extremely busy for me with the start of all three championships as well as the countdown to my A Level exams, but I am confident that with the great team of people around me I will be able to reach my full potential both on the bike and academically, as Moreton has provided me with a team of people who go above and beyond to ensure I am able to reach my goals.

“I would like to thank all of my sponsors who have come on board for the 2026 season, especially Mr McTaggart and Mr Brewer of Moreton Hall, who have given me the opportunity to achieve my goals. I hope that we can achieve some strong results this year as a team.”

Holly’s journey is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when talent, hard work and the right support come together. The Moreton Hall community will be cheering her on every step of the way as she takes on this exciting new season.

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