Roy Leighton

Always entertaining, challenging and thought-provoking, Roy remains one of our most sought-after speakers for his work on change, growth, learning and relationships - and school's role in all of them. At a time when we are all having to deal with change, growth and new learning, he helps us understand how best to approach all three - and do it with a smile on our face.

With a background in theatre as well as a track record of over two decades working in schools with educators and with young people themselves, Roy is also very much in demand in the world of business where his detailed and innovative approaches to personal development have a proven effect to the bottom line in a number of large multinational organisations.

In 2021, Roy graduated with an MPhil from the Knowledge, Power and Politics programme at Cambridge University, is a member of the RSA and is on the advisory board of the innovative Da Vinci Life-Skills School project. 

Growing up in a working-class Black Country community with six brothers and sisters, Roy knows first hand the challenges faced by children in such circumstances and the importance not only of high expectations and aspirations for all, but also the need for creative and compassionate approaches in the classroom. Indeed his current work, including his impressive MPhil from Cambridge and a 1991 Japanese award for his contribution to peace, culture and education, is very much focussed on peace and peace building in a world that is increasingly at odds with itself.