Meet Grand Finalist, Adam Ravat

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 35,000 students have been trained in over 500 schools across all of London and Essex.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex with public speaking and communication training to increase their confidence, sense of agency and drive to make a difference in society.

During the academic year, over 500 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshops for their students. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day. During 2024-2025, 74% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people. At the end of the day, every school nominates one student to go on to a Regional or Digital Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery, structure and positive impact by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 inspirational, articulate, and impressive speakers are now ready to present their speech to you!

We will celebrate the achievements of these awe-inspiring young people in the heart of London’s West End at Cambridge Theatre on Monday 7th July and crown the 2025 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2025 Grand Finalist Adam Ravat! 

Their speech ‘My Weekend – My Time’ earned them and their school, St Ignatius College, first place in the Enfield Regional Final. 

We asked Adam, what three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

Food – for obvious reasons (to survive) ; A friend for company ; Swim gear as I like swimming and it’s an island

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work” – Thomas Edison; as it shows the importance of consistently trying and believing in yourself rather than giving up.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Spaghetti Bolognese as it it’s my favourite food and it’s fairly healthy.

What three tips would you give to a Year 7 student? 

Make as many friends as possible; Work Hard; Be yourself!

Why do you think it’s important for young people, like you, to share their stories?

I believe that many young people support my argument but believe if they speak out, they will be ignored; I want to encourage other students to express their concerns over student mental health and make it the first priority in the school system.

How would you like people to think/act differently after hearing your story?

I want to encourage young people like myself to speak out about the issue as well as adults who also left school with the same concerns but never felt they could speak out about it.

Best of luck Adam and see you at the Grand Final on July 7th!