Caterham Crowned Champions at National Ethics Cup Finals

We are thrilled to announce that Caterham School has triumphed at the 2025 Ethics Cup Finals held at the University of St Andrews, emerging undefeated champions in one of the UK’s most prestigious academic competitions.

A Competition of Intellect, Integrity, and Collaboration

Having won the South East Regional competition here at Caterham, our team of ten pupils in the Fourth and Lower Sixth Years travelled up to St Andrews University for the final.

Nami D, Abi G, Lian N and Sophia P-W reminisce: The adventure began at King’s Cross Station, where pupils and staff boarded a train to Edinburgh, mascot Delilah Duck in tow. After admiring the countryside views, they arrived in the Scottish capital and made the most of their time, indulging in paninis, vintage shops and bookshops, all while dodging bursts of rain and soaking in the thoughtful mood of the city. A scenic journey to St Andrews followed, and despite torrential rain, spirits were high. Pupils explored the university town, discussed their cases over dinner at Zizzi’s, and prepared for the competition.

The day of the finals dawned sunny and bright. After a university tour that introduced them to traditions (including cleansing academic sins by running naked through the quad!), the competition began in earnest. The team shone from the outset:

· A 3–0 win over Leeds Grammar School, presenting their case on AI music and responding to discussions about In-vitro meat.

· A 2.5–0.5 win over Hutchesons’ Grammar School, presenting Weight-Loss Drugs for the Unemployed and responding to Teachers on OnlyFans.

· A 3–0 semi-final win using a new structure suggested by a judge, tackling Salacious gossip and responding to Rachel Dolezal & cultural appropriation.

· And finally, a 3–0 championship win against Elgin Academy, securing the Ethics Cup!

Competing against 11 leading schools from across the country in the country from a regional pool of up to 120 schools, our team demonstrated exceptional analytical thinking, moral reasoning, and collaboration. After topping their group stage with the highest number of points scored, they navigated a tense semi-final with composure and clarity, and in the final, they delivered a powerful presentation on Business Ethics and the consensual exploitation of workers, exploring the fictional case of the “Ponkish” people. Their ability to tackle probing questions, challenge opposing ideas respectfully, and think on their feet earned them a unanimous 3–0 victory over a strong team from Elgin Academy, Scotland. Notably, our team was the youngest in the competition, facing Sixth Form opponents in every round, making this achievement even more impressive.

Reflections from the Team

Beyond the silverware, what shone through most was the profound impact the experience had on our students. As Flo R shared: “The experience of not only competing in the Ethics Cup, but also the preparation for it has been incredible, and I have been honoured to do this with such amazing people!” Millie B reflected on how the journey shaped her intellectual development: “My experience at the 2023 regional round introduced me to philosophy, and since then I have thought about everything in a different way. I am indebted to Mrs Webster for helping me discover what I am most passionate about.”

From victory-worthy answers like Nami’s spontaneous definition of creativity, to late-night philosophical chats and celebratory fish and chips with ice cream on the beach, the memories made will stay with them long after the trophy is polished. Special thanks to Old Cat and regional judge Timothy Powell, who so generously donated funds for the pupils to celebrate their win with ice cream at the famous Jannettas parlour. The treat was thoroughly enjoyed and greatly appreciated by all, adding a joyful and memorable touch to an already unforgettable day. It was a fitting way to mark the team’s incredible achievement and reflect on the friendships and ideas that made the journey so special.

As Meera V shared: “Competing in the ethics cup was incredible. Being able to discuss the cases with not only the other teams, but also the people who wrote them in some cases, was extremely valuable and enjoyable.” Vivienne C commented: “Winning the Ethics Cup was a transformative experience, one which will remain with us throughout our lifetime… Being stuck into friendly ethical debate with a range of people, the 1-on-1 judge feedback, and celebrating as a team were unforgettable.”

A Culture of Kindness and Critical Thinking

The camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors was especially meaningful for the team. Flo R shared: “What especially stood out was how friendly the other teams were; the spirit of the Cup was definitely strong through the day.” Harry noted: “My favourite aspect was the relationship between the teams – everyone was very supportive, which really brought the best out of the competition.”

This incredible success would not have been possible without the dedication of Mrs Grace Rounds, whose expert coaching was integral, as well as the ongoing encouragement from Mrs Katie Bullard and the Philosophy & Theology Department. Special thanks also to Mrs Samantha Webster for inspiring and mentoring the team over several years, and to Mr Ace for his support during the trip.

As some of our more senior pupils pass the baton, they do so with confidence in the talent and enthusiasm of the next generation as Millie B commented:

“I will be so sad to stop competing, but I will involve myself in future sessions as much as I can; we hand on the competition to incredibly talented younger pupils, who have taught me so much.”

As George M summarises: “It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey leading up to this moment. Being in a room full of ideas and working through ethical complexities with pupils across year groups has been a highlight. As this is my final year competing, I’m proud to have helped sustain a culture of thoughtful debate for younger students to carry forward. Seeing the Fourth Year contribute so impressively gives me real hope — society needs spaces like this to explore big ideas now more than ever.”

Congratulations to our Ethics Cup champions, not just for what they won, but for how they did it.

The Team comprised of Lower Sixth students Millie B, Vivienne C, George M and Harry M and Fourth Year students Namratha D, Abi G, Lia N, Sophia P-W, Florence R and Meera V. Many thanks also to the 25 or so students who regularly attend our weekly Ethics Cup Co-curricular club who have contributed so positively and been so integral to the success of this competition.

If you would like to look at the cases that the team examined please follow this link: https://ethicscup.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2025/01/Finals-Case-Set-2025.pdf and for the finals scoreboard: https://ethicscup.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/finals-host/