An invitation to be part of our conversation
Recently a group of Cranleighans attended the inaugural Off Script Generation Summit in central London. The summit was designed for young people aged 16–25 who are ready to challenge outdated systems, explore bold pathways, and take ownership of what comes next.
Billed as a rare opportunity for young people and those shaping their future to come together in the same room, the summit created space for honest conversations about solutions – side by side. YouTube sensation, Max Fosh and Instagram etiquette legend, William Hanson, spoke alongside institutional leaders such as James Harding, Editor-in-Chief of The Observer.
James Harding reflected on his time at the World Economic Forum in Davos the previous week, noting that there was more hype around David Beckham than even Donald Trump! Yet more importantly, he highlighted what Davos and the Off Script Generation Summit shared in common: a collective desire to create a “Spirit of Dialogue.”
This idea of convening, discussing, speaking out and reflecting is crucial. As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged attendees, we must “actively take on the world as it is, not wait around for the world we wish to be.” This sentiment sits at the heart of Cranleigh’s philosophy.
As educators of the next generation, our responsibility is to create environments where students can explore their purpose, develop into changemakers, and build the skills, confidence and agency to shape their own narratives. Cranleigh’s Public Speaking Programme for all Upper Sixth students enables them to find and use their voice — a voice they will take to this term’s Dangerous Minds Event, Cranleigh’s TEDx-style salon for changemakers.
Meanwhile, our Lower Sixth students are currently immersed in CranDo, Cranleigh’s flagship challenge. Working in diverse teams, students apply the Spirit of Dialogue alongside creativity and innovation to design, develop and bring to market a profitable business in just ten weeks — meeting real-world needs with real-world solutions.
Supporting each student’s real-world needs is central to the Futures team’s work. We are intentionally moving beyond the traditional assumption that students should progress to a UK university. As a global community, many hold non-British passports that open doors to international higher education. Cranleigh’s links with US colleges remain strong, alongside growing placements at European institutions such as IE Madrid and Bocconi. Degree Apprenticeships and programmes like PwC’s Flying Start provide outstanding alternatives. Every student is different, and higher education is not right for all — so we ask not “Where do you want to go to university?” but “Where do you want your future to take you?”
To further consolidate Cranleigh’s mission to be at the forefront of Futures Education, we are proud to announce our first Future Skills Symposium, taking place on 11th June in London, in partnership with AI and Tech company Box and social mobility charity The Talent Tap. Bringing together industry insight, market awareness, skills education and student voice, the symposium will harness the Spirit of Dialogue to unite employers, educators, graduates and students in one space.
The aim is clear: to explore how education and industry can work together to better support young people — ensuring they develop the skills needed for an ever-changing world, while also listening deeply to their sense of purpose. Together, we will co-create curriculum solutions that future-proof employability and build a sustainable workforce.
We are actively seeking employers who would like to take part in this conversation on 11th June, 15:30–18:30, at The Box, White Collar Factory, Old Street, and join us in shaping what comes next.
