Cranleigh’s inaugural Future Skills Symposium was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 60 employers, educators, students, graduates and industry leaders for an afternoon of thought-provoking discussion, collaboration and optimism. Hosted in partnership with Box and The Talent Tap, the event was chaired by Mac McKenzie of the Bridge Institute, whose focus on purpose-led leadership set the tone for a conversation centred on opportunity rather than uncertainty. Speakers including George Churchill (AWS), David Ellis (Maikai), Maddie Best (Cranleigh School) and student representatives challenged delegates to think differently about the future of work, AI and education, while students played a vital role throughout, sharing their lived experiences, asking insightful questions and helping shape the discussion.
What emerged was a powerful sense of shared responsibility and hope. Participants identified a number of key priorities, including embracing AI as a tool for creativity and productivity, strengthening connections between education and employment, recognising a broader range of skills and talents beyond exam results, and creating clearer pathways into meaningful work. Perhaps most importantly, the symposium reinforced the value of listening to young people themselves. Their perspectives highlighted the importance of purpose, belonging, adaptability and human skills in a rapidly changing world.
Reflecting on the event, Naomi Ambrose, Director of Futures at Cranleigh School, said: “One of the most valuable outcomes of the symposium was bringing together such a diverse group of voices and finding common ground on the challenges and opportunities ahead. The insights gathered will help shape and strengthen our own curriculum, ensuring that Cranleigh students continue to develop the skills, mindset and adaptability needed for the future. Equally importantly, we hope the findings contribute to a much wider conversation beyond Cranleigh, helping educators, employers and young people work together to create greater opportunity and positive change.”
The event concluded with a series of collective commitments from attendees and a determination to continue building stronger partnerships between schools, employers and young people to help shape a more inclusive, resilient and opportunity-rich future.
