Pupils inspired by Clarke Carlisle

It was a pleasure to welcome former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle to King’s recently to speak to pupils on a variety of important topics, including discriminatory language, masculinity and mental health.

Clarke spent the morning with boys in Thirds and Fourths as part of our Working with Boys initiative, talking about the importance of setting the tone for what is acceptable by calling out friends when they use discriminatory language, leading by example and not making assumptions about others. 

He also addressed his own mental health struggles, urging the boys to think about who they would ask for help if they needed it and concluding with his own realisation that being a man means many things, including being vulnerable and showing your emotions.

Deputy Head Pastoral Stephen Prest joined the boys for the talk and thanked Clarke for being so honest about this experiences: “It was a privilege to listen to Clarke speaking about his career, his mental health struggles and his superb advice to the young men in the audience today to normalise asking for help now, even with small things, so that they don’t think twice about it when they are out in the real world.”

Over a working lunch, Clarke met with representatives from our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee, some of our Mental Fitness Ambassadors, and with Sixth Former who have been mentoring younger boys in the school. 

Answering insightful questions about overcoming mental illness, facing discrimination and finding validation when his football career ended, Clarke spoke with an honesty that resonated with everyone in the room. 

Clarke’s visit was organised by acting EDI Coordinator, Mrs Ditchburn, who thanked Clarke for his time. 

She said: “I am pleased that so many pupils were able to hear Clarke speak today. His passion and honesty engaged pupils from the outset and I know that everyone will take something very valuable away from the experience today.”

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