Shrewsbury's Economics Conference 2025

On Monday 10^th November, the Shrewsbury school Economics Society was proud to stage its annual Economics conference for 2025-26.

The theme of the conference asked the question “Are free markets are doomed to fail?”. Hosting 170 Sixth Form economists including students from four visiting schools, the auditorium was overflowing with excitement and anticipation. Our visiting schools included our now regular guests, Shrewsbury 6^th Form College and Newport Girls’ Grammar School, but also two new visitors, Sutton Coldfield Girls’ Grammar School from Birmingham and Stonyhurst School from Manchester, who both battled with M6 traffic in opposite directions to get to us.

We were extremely glad to welcome again Julian Dean (Green Party Councillor for Shropshire Council) and Dr. Chris Snowdon (Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute for Economic Affairs) as our keynote speakers. They kicked the conference off with passionate speeches arguing from diametrically opposed perspectives, stimulating a healthy flourish of challenging questions from the floor at the end of each speech.

After a short break, the Question Time event followed. Our two keynote speakers were joined on the experts panel by two of our young economists to field questions from the audience. One of these was Gethin Harrison (U6, Churchill’s) and the other from Stonyhurst School. A daunting prospect for anyone, let alone 18 year old economics students. Both held their own and answered questions from their peers knowledgeably and with confidence.  

After lunch the student debate, on the theme of the conference was staged. The teams comprised of boys and girls from Shrewsbury School and Shrewsbury 6^th Form College.  Our debaters were Brad Lee (L6, School House), Oliver Reames (L6, Riggs), Mya Bunditkitsada (L6, The Grove), Alistair Thompson (L6, Churchill’s) Harry Cornes (L6, Severn Hill) and Andrew Liu (L6, Riggs).

The audience, who were gripped by the debaters’ arguments, and their questions were a testament to this. In the end they had the final say, voting for the winning team in the dramatic parliamentary style of filing out of different doors, and results being declared in the foyer of the Barnes Theatre, closing the conference.

Throughout the day Cecilia Tomita (U6, Queen Elizabeth Hall), compered the various events, setting out the theme of the conference at the start of the day, and introducing all the speakers throughout the morning.  

The event proved to be informative and enjoyable for all attending. The new enthusiasm ignited was evident in the infectiously active participation from the audience in all sessions.

Messages received afterwards from the visiting schools included:

“I have seen a few of the students who attended the conference on Monday and just wanted to let you know how much they enjoyed the day! They found the event really helped them to deepen their understanding of the economic issues raised. Thank you so much for inviting us to this event and providing our students with an enriching experience.” Lynn Gidion, Shrewsbury 6^th Form College

“We ABSOLUTELY loved the day. The speakers were superb and we really enjoyed the passionate but very polite debating too. We hope to return next year.”

Mark O’Rourke, Sutton Coldfield Girls Grammar School

“Another marvellous day. Here’s to next year.”

Paul Bentley, Newport Girls’ Grammar School

Nick Zafar, Economics