Inspirational Speaker for Schools & Universities
I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of students — from Primary to Sixth Form and university postgraduates — about adventure, ambition, and what it actually means to build a life around what you love. My talks combine expedition storytelling, award-winning film and photography, and a central message that resonates with students at every stage: that an unconventional, passionate, hard-working life is not just possible — it’s worth pursuing.
I’m one of the most widely booked independent school speakers in the UK, with talks at Dragon School Oxford, Eton, Sherborne, Felsted, Sutton High, St John’s College, Bromley, Cambridge, and more than 50 other schools and universities.
Talk Topics
Adventure & Resilience
From cycling across America to reporting from conflict zones — a multimedia expedition talk built around the message that hard work, curiosity and the willingness to say yes will take you further than talent alone.
Travel Journalism as a Career
For Sixth Form and university students considering journalism, media, filmmaking or geography. An honest account of how to build a career in travel writing, what it actually looks like day-to-day, and what editors are really looking for.
A Reporter’s Adventures in 100 Countries
The talk that resonates most broadly across age groups. Not a talk about travel — a talk about making decisions, backing yourself, and doing things differently. Suitable for Year 7 upwards.
Bespoke commissions
If your school has a specific theme — sustainability, mental health and resilience, diversity of career paths — I’m happy to build something around it. Many of my repeat bookings are bespoke sessions developed with teachers and enrichment heads.
Ed Callaway, Prep School Leader, Widford Lodge Preparatory School
Over the years, we have had several speakers come into school to talk about their adventures and Simon, without doubt, was the most inspirational. Not only will his adventures excite and interest pupils, but the overriding message of pursuing passions, being resilient and overcoming challenges is one that both adults and children can benefit greatly from.
Pippa Adams, Deputy Head, St Edmund’s School, Surrey
Simon really knows how to engage with students of all ages. He captivated his audiences from Year 5 up to Year 11 with his incredible adventures. Simon is living proof that with determination and ambition you can achieve amazing life goals.
Tim Dawson, Head of Sixth Form, Sherborne School
Simon delivered one of the best received talks of the year to our Year 9 and 10 pupils. His highly polished talk was interesting, amusing and inspirational to boys looking for adventure, and for those looking at a career that can combine personal interests with the need for an income.
Joseph Newsam, Assistant Head, Kimbolton School
Simon is an inspirational speaker and captivated our students with a really well paced and planned presentation. Simon focuses on key messages to motivate young people such as achieving your goals and ‘always say yes’. The video content and photos brought his amazing adventures to life and he was able to engage a wide range of ages. Fully recommended!
Will Speke, Deputy Head, Fitzharrys School, Oxford
Simon gave an insightful and interesting talk to our sixth formers on travel journalism. It proved to be an excellent way to broaden our students’ horizons around travel and life as a hard working journalist. Inspiring stuff.
James Smart, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, St Helen & St Katherine, Oxford
Simon’s talk was inspiring and kept the students engaged throughout. The students were keen to ask questions at the end of the talk, which is always a great sign and many have gone away thinking about how they might combine their passion with a career. I’ve already booked him for next term.
Chris Scott, Administrative Master, Dragon School, Oxford
Simon spoke to 200 children with an age range of 8 – 13, and he held all captive for an hour with his fascinating stories interjected with extremely impressive films. The volley of questions at the end was testament to Simon’s excellent presentation and how he had inspired all in the Hall.
Nathalie Roberts, Deputy Head, Orwell Park School, Ipswich
Simon kept his audience, made up of all ages, enthralled from beginning to end. The clever combination of narrative and film made for a dynamic, and uplifting experience. The questions asked by the pupils at the end of a talk are always the best gauge of success and it is fair to say that Simon most definitely inspired us all. It was a mind-growing evening, thank you!
Simon Clarke, Head Master, Spratton Hall, Northamptonshire
A fascinating and inspiring presentation, with wonderful visuals to tell Simon’s story so far. Some incredible feats of endurance and self-will demonstrated to our pupils how important it is to focus on their passions in life and to make the most of opportunities that come their way.
Chris Townsend, Headmaster, Felsted School
Simon took us on an incredible journey through his life, his adventures, and the stories that he has to tell from around the world. His message is a strong one for any school, combining the virtue of hard work with following something that is a real passion. His sense of adventure and challenge will have inspired all who heard him.
Schools I've worked with
· Oundle School
· Dragon School, Oxford
· Eton College
· Sherborne School
· Felsted School
· Sutton High School
· St John’s College, Cambridge
· Kimbolton School
· King’s High School, Warwick
· Canford School
· Bishopsgate School
· St Helen & St Katherine, Oxford
· Spratton Hall
· Orwell Park School
· St Edmund’s School
· St George’s School, Weybridge
· Fitzharrys School
· Widford Lodge Preparatory School
· The Oxford Academy
· Cheshire College South & West
· Solent University
· Cambridge University
· Oxford University