Following their victory in the regional finals this past January, the team - comprising Indiana S, Jaden L, George G, Sumi S, Mickhail C, Remi S, Aashmit G, and Tejas P, travelled to the University of St Andrews in Scotland to face the country's most formidable ethical thinkers.

The National Finals demanded incredible resilience. Throughout a day of rigorous competition, the team tackled a diverse range of complex cases, from the ethics of economic practices to the societal challenges posed by the rapid integration of AI.

What set the Reading School team apart was their commitment to growth; by constantly reflecting and implementing judges' feedback after each round, they steadily climbed the leaderboard. This determination saw them earn a spot in the Grand Final against Leeds Grammar.

Beyond the overall victory, the team was also honoured with the prize for the Most Courageous Fighters which recognised their ability to commit to and defend a viewpoint with conviction, while simultaneously demonstrating remarkable empathy and diplomacy toward their opponents. The judges noted their skill in establishing nuanced philosophical positions that moved beyond simple binaries to address the true complexity of the cases

The final was held in the prestigious, packed main hall in the St Andrews Quad. The proceedings were overseen by a distinguished panel led by Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews.

In this high-pressure environment, Reading School delivered a masterful performance. Their presentation was noted for its professionalism and stature, specifically in how the students handled intense scrutiny and questioning. Their ability to balance sophisticated ethical theory with calm, professional delivery ultimately secured them the national trophy.