STUDENTS will be rifling through the reference books as they prepare to head-off to Eton for the debate of their lives.

Teenagers Sam Maunder, Rosalind Monaghan and Imogen Hayden have clinched a place in the final of the prestigious PixL ‘Up for Debate’ competition.

The students from Wensleydale School and Sixth Form College, Leyburn, will tackle some of the best young debating minds in the country on July 6, in Jafar Hall, the new purpose-built debating chamber at Eton College.

Before then they will receive intense training from the UK’s top debating coaches at a masterclass in London, where they will learn to deepen their analysis, sharpen their argumentative attacks and maximise their persuasive impact on the audience.

During their stay in the capital the team will also see a West End Show and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Imogen, 13, of Spennithorne, Sam, 13, of West Grafton and Rosalind, 14, of Leyburn, won their round one match arguing against violent video games.

They took the second round match proposing child labour in less economically developed countries.

Round three was an impromptu debate about vegetarianism and in the final round they just lost the debate opposing the removal of coursework from GCSEs.

But they were put through to the final for their strong individual performances and consistent victories as one of the best eight teams nationally.

Teacher Charles Barnett, who runs the debating club, said he was thrilled with the team’s success.

“They all performed incredibly well offering clear and concise argument that was well delivered and very persuasive,” he said.