AN A-LEVEL student from Conwy is set to represent Wales on the international stage by taking part in a global debating competition this summer.

Sophia Wallo is a Coleg Menai student who is hoping to go on to study law at University.

The 18-year-old was part of a winning team in the regional round of the Wales School Debating Championships, held at Bangor’s Ysgol Tryfan last December.

Her performance there saw her join the competitive squad trials in Cardiff, where her skills secured her a place on the Development Squad for Team Wales.

Now, she is set to go one step further by representing her country at the World Schools Debating Championships to be held in Sri Lanka in July.

Coleg Menai A-Level lecturer Steven Blight said, “This is an outstanding achievement. Sophia is a natural debater and she is the best that I have seen in my time in college.

"Gaining a place in the development squad was amazing in itself, and showed how motivated and driven Sophia is, but to be chosen to represent Wales in Sri Lanka – well, that is remarkable.

"We are obviously extremely proud of her at Coleg Menai, and will be cheering her on this summer."

The World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) is a global competition for national high school debate teams. Squads from over 50 countries around the world gather to debate 13 different topics set by an international panel of experts.

Training for the Championships will take place over weekends and school holidays and the Team Wales coach will liaise closely with the team to ensure that this will not interfere with their exams or university applications.

Jo Gough, Debating programmes officer from English-Speak Union said: “We have high expectations of Team Wales and we believe that Sophia will play a key role.

"Her success in making the team is testament to the outstanding educational environment your college must create.”