Since 2022, we have been working to level the playing field, one talk at a time.

Former independent school students make up less than 7% of the UK population. But they continue to dominate everything from politics to media, the arts, professional sports, medicine, business and law.

Our mantra is simple: you can’t be what you can’t see

That’s why we match Greater Manchester state schools with inspirational, relatable role models and speakers from their local areas.

StateTalking introduces primary, secondary and sixth form college students to high achievers who look and sound like them.

We also offer support with setting up alumni networks because the most relatable role models are a schools’ own past pupils.

Thanks to our valued supporters, everything is always free of charge to schools.

> Read our impact report 2025

> Join our mailing list

> Request a speaker

“Children and young people need role models and State Talking is doing an amazing job of putting highly successful and yet totally relatable professionals in front of young audiences across Greater Manchester. I truly believe that these interactions can motivate, inspire, focus and ultimately change lives”.

Andrew Russell, managing director, Russell WBHO, a StateTalking sponsor