FAQ
Debate Chamber has been providing exciting educational opportunities to school students aged 11 – 18 since 2003. Our courses offer an opportunity for bright young people from all backgrounds to experience a taste of the most popular and competitive degree courses and professions, and to develop their intellectual, creative and practical skills.
How much do your courses cost?
The cost of the courses varies between £90 – £390 depending on the length and subject. All prices are inclusive of VAT. See individual course pages for details.
Do you offer bursaries?
We offer a limited number of bursaries, covering up to 100% of course fees, for students who would otherwise be unable to attend. For details click here.
Where are your courses held?
Our events take place at the University of London Union (ULU) in Bloomsbury. Maps to our regular venues can be found here.
You can see details of how to travel to ULU here.
Who are the tutors?
Information about our tutors, listed by subject, can be found here, or on individual subject pages.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. Most students dress casually, but please wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
What should I bring?
A pen or pencil; some lined paper for note-taking; a packed lunch or money to purchase lunch.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided. Students will have time during the lunch break to eat a packed lunch or purchase lunch from nearby shops and cafes. Please note that students under 15 will only be allowed out during the lunch break with written permission from their parents or guardians.
Is accommodation provided?
All Debate Chamber courses are non-residential. If you require accommodation this must be arranged independently. We are unable to make recommendations for places to stay, but you can see a list of local accommodation here.
How rigid are the age brackets?
The age brackets for each course are recommendations only – if students slightly outside the stated bracket are keen to attend an event, and are aware that they will be working with students who may be a few years younger or older than themselves, then that is something which we will usually be able to accommodate. If you have any questions or would like to talk about the recommended age ranges for any course, please feel free to get in touch.
I’m on a waiting list, when will I find out if I have a place?
If you’re on a waiting list for one of our events, we will notify you by e-mail or telephone if a place becomes available and you are next on the waiting list. We will get in touch with those who we are able to offer places to three weeks before the beginning of the event. If we do not get back in touch after placing you on a waiting list then this means that unfortunately that we are not able to offer you a place.
Can teachers and parents attend?
Yes. Teachers and parents are welcome to attend part or all of any of our events as observers and there is no charge for such attendance. However, there is no requirement that students be accompanied and most do attend independently.
How can I pay?
The easiest way to pay is by credit or debit card. To make a payment by card please call 0845 519 4827. By cheque: Please make all cheques payable to Debate Chamber, and send to Debate Chamber, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ. By bank transfer: Please send payment to Debate Chamber Ltd, account number: 20857688, sort code: 20 97 40. If you are paying through the school please let us know the invoice details.
If I book and pay for a place and then have to cancel, can I get a refund?
It depends how far in advance of the event you cancel. Cancellations made in writing at least twelve weeks (84 days) before the event begins will receive a full refund of any monies paid (less a £10 administration charge). Cancellations made in writing at least ten weeks (70 days) before the event begins will receive a 90% refund, at least nine weeks (63 days) before the event begins an 80% refund, at least eight weeks (56 days) before the event begins a 70% refund, at least seven weeks (49 days) before the event begins a 60% refund, at least six weeks (42 days) before the event begins a 50% refund, at least five weeks (35 days) before the event begins a 40% refund, at least four weeks (28 days) before the event begins a 30% refund, at least three weeks (21 days) before the event begins a 20% refund and at least two weeks (14 days) before the event begins a 10% refund. If you cancel your place under two weeks before an event begins then it will not be possible for Debate Chamber to offer a refund.
How can I host a Debate Chamber event in my school?
We regularly conduct workshops in the school environment, which can be tailored to suit your timetable, curriculum, and the needs of your students. Our tutors have extensive experience working with pupils aged 11-18 in both the state and independent sectors. More information on in-school activities, including pricing, is available here.
Contact
Debate Chamber, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, email info@debatechamber.com or call us on 0845 519 4827.
Debate Chamber is a limited company, no. 05165260, registered in the UK. Debate Chamber’s VAT Registration Number is 912172946