Pupils at Cokethorpe School were treated to an evening of inspiration when world record-holding adventurer Neil Laughton delivered a captivating lecture as part of the School’s Enlightenment Lecture programme.
The former Royal Marines Commando, helicopter pilot and Special Forces officer shared remarkable stories from his distinguished career, aligned with this year’s theme, Brave New World.
The event formed part of the school’s ongoing programme of super-curricular talks designed to broaden horizons and inspire ambition.
In 2009, Mr Laughton became the first person to travel in a road-legal flying car on a journey from London to Timbuktu. He also recounted the formidable challenge of completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam — reaching the North Pole, the South Pole and the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.
The lecture was introduced by Upper Sixth student Will Hansen, who praised Mr Laughton’s message of resilience and self-determination.
“Mr Laughton’s advice to become an architect for your own life by setting goals and always showing resilience in the face of adversity was inspirational for all of us,” he said.
“His tales of trauma and defiance were equally uplifting and motivational, and it was a genuine honour to introduce and welcome him in front of my fellow pupils.”
Mr Laughton has delivered keynote speeches internationally since 1996, when he was invited to share his survival story from Mount Everest following the notorious storm that claimed eight lives and inspired the bestselling book Into Thin Air.
The 62-year-old holds 10 Guinness World Records, including the fastest circumnavigation of the UK by jet ski and the furthest distance travelled on a penny-farthing bicycle with no hands in one hour. Over the years, he has led more than 50 expeditions and climbed Everest alongside survival expert Bear Grylls.
Beyond adventure, Mr Laughton also built and sold a construction company that achieved a £40 million turnover before its acquisition by a FTSE 100 firm in 2011.
Edward Tolputt, Head of Sixth Form at Cokethorpe School, said:
“Neil is truly exceptional and it was a privilege for some of our pupils to spend time with him and listen to his captivating stories of exploration, innovation and resilience.
“He is a perfect example of following your passion, being open to new experiences and living life to the full.
“The purpose of our Enlightenment Lecture programme is to inspire pupils and to champion ambition, curiosity and empathy, and Neil’s unforgettable talk certainly did that.”
Set within 150 acres of parkland near Witney, Cokethorpe School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18. Founded in 1957 and becoming fully co-educational in 1992, the school provides a research-informed education in a supportive rural environment, celebrating a diverse range of talents.
