Local pupils went toe-to-toe with international competitors as a global speaking competition was held on the island.

The International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition, hosted by Bermuda High School and Saltus Grammar School, brought 99 students from the United States, Canada and India to compete against 13 local private school students.

Students competed in two rounds of three events each, followed by a day of finals for those who had advanced.

BHS students were awarded the St John’s-Ravenscourt Shield for the Top Overseas Team for the third consecutive year, with Hannah Taylor and Helena Thomas both qualifying for the finals in different categories.

Hannah placed fourth in the Dramatic Interpretation category, while Helena came second overall in the After Dinner category, third in the News Podcast category and was named the top overseas speaker.

Jennifer Burland Adams, BHS coach, said: “I am so proud of my team for their hard work and dedication and even prouder that a small nation of 58,000 people was able to host this prestigious competition.

“The Bermuda High School and Saltus have sent teams to Canada, the US and Hong Kong in the past and we are grateful that we could welcome so many teams to our beautiful island.”

BHS and Saltus students were joined in the competition by representatives from both Somersfield Academy and Warwick Academy.

Christianna Dakin, Saltus coach, added: “We couldn’t be prouder of all the students who took part in the tournament.

“The experience they gained, along with the chance to connect with peers from around the world, share new ideas and push their boundaries, is invaluable.

“This was an incredible experience for the Saltus public speaking and debate team who have been a joy to coach and I look forward to watching their growth over the next year.”

Ms Dakin, who also served as co-conveyor for the tournament alongside Ms Burland Adams, added: “This event was years in the making, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our many student and community volunteers, who helped with everything from the event set-up and organisation to judging and timekeeping.”

The event received sponsorship from the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the English-Speaking Union, as well as Goslings, Butterfield and Vallis, the Saltus Association and HSBC.

The next IISPSC Tournament will be hosted by the Waynflete School in Portland, Maine next October.