Exeter College students have won the prestigious Bristol Grammar School Model United Nations (MUN) best delegation title for the fourth year in a row, cementing the college’s reputation as one of the leading debating and diplomacy teams in the South West.

More than 150 students representing a range of schools took part in the 10th annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, held at Bristol Grammar School, on Sunday, 4th Feb.

The conference is a simulation of the United Nations, with student teams allocated a specific country which they represent in a variety of committees, such as the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights.

At the end of the day, all of the students come together for the General Assembly to find a resolution to a crisis scenario. The teams are tasked with debating resolutions to overcome specific, current political issues. A large majority of the students present were from independent schools from around the South West.

Exeter College took thirteen students to the conference, with ten of the students winning individual awards. The Exeter College team which represented Japan won the prize for the Best Delegation – the coveted top prize at the conference. This was for the fourth year running. The Japan delegation won two best delegate awards, two Highly Commended awards and one Commended award.

Exeter College teacher Martin Gilbert, who organised the trip to the prestigious conference at Bristol Grammar School, said: “Yet again, the students were fantastic diplomats in every sense of the word. I am very proud of their achievements.”

Meanwhile, the previous day, twelve Exeter College students, including an Exeter Maths School student took part in a local Model United Nations (MUN) hosted by Exeter School, with students again competing against independent schools from around the South West.

Overall, the Exeter College team ‘won’ the conference with the Best Delegation award going to the college delegation representing the USA. The Exeter College students representing Poland also were awarded the Highly Commended prize.

Exeter College International Baccalaureate student Ben Pike, from Umberleigh, North Devon, who was a member of the winning delegations at both events, said: “The feeling of accomplishment I experienced after winning an award rounded off an already tremendous conference.

“Likewise, winning the Best Delegation awards at both conferences was hugely fulfilling; it was fantastic to have the opportunity to represent the college at something we all enjoy so much. I believe these achievements are a testament to the hard work of our teams and the sheer enthusiasm of both the students and supporting staff.”

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said: “It is a fantastic achievement for the students and I’d like to congratulate the students on their remarkable success which demonstrates exceptional academic, debating and diplomacy skills of our students.”

Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the success of our students on this competitive and prestigious circuit. The dedication and professionalism with which they prepare for these competitions is exceptional and their talent and dedication gives us great confidence in the politics and diplomacy of the future.”

Winning Delegates at the Model United Nations

Japan Delegation (Best Delegation)

• Marceli Potocki
• Tara McKenna
• Tom Burrows
• Emma Hardes-Butler
• Ben Pike
• Michael Grant

Winning Delegates at the Model United Nations at Bristol Grammar School, representing Japan. Pictured are (back), left to right, Marceli Potocki, Tara McKenna, Michael Grant, Tara McKenna, (front) Emma Hardes-Butler, and Ben Pike.

Celebrating success at the Model United Nations (MUN) hosted by Exeter School, winning USA delegation. Pictured are (from left to right), Tara McKenna, Charlie Lees (Exeter Mathematics School), Tom Burrows, Ben Pike.