The Ethics Cup 2023 began in December 2022 with 69 schools and hundreds of students competing in nine regional tournaments, which were hosted by: Keith Grammar School, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Glasgow, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, King’s College London, University of Kent, University of Nottingham, and UWE Bristol. The Finals took place on 25 May at the United College at the University of St. Andrews. The competition featured teams from 12 U.K. secondary schools converging on St. Andrews from near and far (including Kent!).
Approximately 80 students competed, discussing topics including the proliferation of AirBnb rentals in expensive cities, NIMBYism, and age gaps in dating. 29 volunteers assisted on the day.
Each team played two matches during the afternoon session, after which point the most successful four teams advanced to the knockout stage. The semi-finals featured Reading School winning a split decision over Lowestoft Sixth Form College and Didsbury High School winning a split decision over Caterham School.
The championship match was contested before a distinguished panel of judges including Sally Mapstone, Principal of the University of St. Andrews. The topics discussed were the ethics of offering liver transplants for drinkers versus non-drinkers and age discrimination in COVID-19 triage policies. In a unanimous decision, Reading School emerged victorious.