Rise to Lead Young Speakers
An evening in Twickenham where children take the stage. Each speaker gives a talk they chose, wrote and rehearsed themselves, to a full room, and every one of them walks off taller than they walked on. Open to every child aged 8 to 12, not just our members.
Apply to take part
The night
Rise to Lead Young Speakers.
HOW THE NIGHT WORKS
Each speaker has up to 3 minutes on a subject of their own choosing. Talks are judged in 2 age groups, 8 to 9 and 10 to 12. Every child who enters speaks at the final, there are no eliminations beforehand, and every speaker goes home with a certificate. Named awards run across the evening, and each age group has 1 trophy.
ENTERING
Entry is free for members of the Rise to Lead club and £15 for everyone else. Speaking places are limited and confirmed in order of entry. Entries for each final close 1 week before it, or earlier if all places fill.
Reviews
What parents say
A really lovely club that helps children build confidence, speak more clearly and believe in themselves a bit more each week.
I love how practical the Young Founders House club is. The children were not just sitting and being told about money or business. They were thinking, planning, making decisions and learning by doing. My child really enjoyed it, and I could see how proud she was of what she had created.
The children's market was brilliant. It gave the children a real chance to sell, speak to people, manage money and feel proud of themselves.
I highly recommend Young Founders Club. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about business, develop creative ideas and gain practical skills! The program helps build confidence and turn ideas into reality.
My daughter was very nervous about speaking in front of others, even in a small group. Since joining the club, I've noticed such a lovely change in her. She is speaking more clearly, joining in more, and she seems much more comfortable sharing her ideas. It has been really nice to see her confidence grow in a gentle, natural way.
Young Founders House has been a great experience for Georgie. It introduced her to completely new concepts, and she loved learning how money works and how to turn investments into profits. A wonderful, unexpected bonus was seeing her teamwork and friendships grow. Georgie took part in two markets this term and made over £100 after costs, she was thrilled to see her hard work pay off.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need to be a member?
No, the final is open to every child aged 8 to 12, members and non-members alike.
What does my child talk about?
Anything they choose, the subject is entirely their own.
How long is a talk?
Up to 3 minutes, and shorter is fine.
Is my child made to compete?
No, entering is always the child's choice, and children who would rather not take part are welcome to come and watch.
How much does it cost?
Entry is free for Rise to Lead members and £15 for everyone else.
What does every speaker receive?
A certificate.
Upcoming finals
Every final runs 5pm to 7pm, with doors from 4:45pm, in Twickenham. The venue is announced shortly.
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Saturday 21 November 2026
The Autumn Final
Doors 4:45pm, final 5pm to 7pm
The first Young Speakers final. Entries close Saturday 14 November 2026, or earlier if all places fill.
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Saturday 26 June 2027
The Summer Final
Doors 4:45pm, final 5pm to 7pm
The last final of the school year. Entries close Saturday 19 June 2027, or earlier if all places fill.
Questions: configuracademy@gmail.com · 07414 962803