We all need State Talking
June 2025
Like 93% of the population I’m a state school kid.
Mine, thankfully, was a good school in Lincolnshire, and I had role models who told me what was possible if I applied myself.
It’s not the same for everyone.
A few years ago, I was started supporting a brilliant organisation called StateTalking Manchester. It brings in successful people from state school backgrounds to talk to today’s state school pupils.
In its words, ‘whether they’re high achievers, find exams challenging, or fall anywhere in-between, every student deserves access to the networks, stories, and inspiration that can open doors for them.’
I’ve visited several schools with State Talking. Sometimes it’s hard. I’m not the obvious role model for some students. But mostly things click.
We talk about their ideas and plans, and I try to provide a spark for them, so they realise they can achieve things if they believe in themselves and put in the hard work.
Yesterday, I was at St James’ Catholic School in Cheadle Hulme. State Talking had persuaded Colleen Rooney to spend the morning with GCSE pupils.
Colleen's really impressive and grounded - much more than people might think from her newspaper reputation - and her passion for her family, for sticking to her values, to supporting those around her shines through.
She spent several hours with the pupils - who asked some brilliant questions - and struck up an immediate connection.
Yes, she talked about life in the Jungle, on I’m a Celebrity, because she was asked about it.
But more than that, she talked about the importance of family, of sticking with things you care about, about dealing with knock-backs, other people's false representations.
She’s dealt with a lot in her life and I think her open-ness yesterday with the pupils was fantastic. They loved it.
The pupils also talked about the inspiration they’d drawn from likes of Phil McDermott, Justin Onuekwusi, CFA, fellow State Talking supporters with roots in the North West.
There are many others out there too. I want to thank them for all their efforts - and also the incredible work done by State Talking founder Frances Kennedy to build such a brilliant and life-changing organisation. It's a privilege to be part of it.
The final word: if you believe in widening participation, mentoring, or just giving back to young people, I can’t recommend State Talking highly enough. Get in touch.