We were delighted to welcome Alfie Watts to William Ford C of E Junior School.

Alfie, aged 22, is best known as the winner of the BBC One programme Race Across the World, where he travelled vast distances without using aeroplanes and on a strict budget. Since then, he has become a content creator, travelled to 91 countries, and works as an ambassador for the charity YoungMinds, promoting positive mental health.

During his visit, Alfie spoke openly with pupils about his childhood. He shared how he lost his mum to cancer while still in primary school and grew up without much money, meaning travel was not possible for him until later in his teenage years. Despite this, he held on to his ambitions and worked hard to achieve them.

Pupils found Alfie’s story deeply inspiring. His visit strongly reflected our school vision, showing that fulfilment, resilience, and empowerment are built through determination, hope, and perseverance, even when life presents significant challenges.

The message pupils took away was clear. Barriers may exist, but they do not have to limit future aspirations.