Keynotes & Assemblies
Engaging sessions that challenge, inspire, and stay with young people long after they leave the room
Matthew Popo is an experienced keynote speaker and presenter who has engaged audiences from single year group assemblies to whole school gatherings and national conferences. His sessions combine relevant, real-world content with honest conversation, audience participation, and practical application — leaving young people not just informed, but genuinely moved to think and act differently.
Every session is tailored. Topics are agreed in consultation with the school to ensure alignment with curriculum priorities, RSHE requirements, safeguarding and pastoral policies, and the specific needs of the cohort. Nothing is off the shelf.
What this looks like in practice
Pre-delivery consultation to agree topic focus, key messages, and any sensitivities specific to the school or cohort
Engaging, participatory delivery — including audience interaction, Q&A, and real-world storytelling drawn from Matthew's experience across schools, residential care, community sport, and the criminal justice system
Follow-up resources provided on request — suitable for PSHE lesson follow-up, tutor time, or pastoral records
Post-delivery debrief with the pastoral or PSHE lead where requested
Previous topics include: Youth violence and knife crime · The criminal justice system · Online safety and social media · Aspiration and identity · Mental health and emotional wellbeing · Healthy and unhealthy relationships · Misogyny and respectful relationships · Fundamental British values · County lines and exploitation awareness
Aims
Convey complex or sensitive messages clearly, honestly, and in an engaging way that resonates with young people.
Equip young people with relevant, practical information and perspectives for life beyond school.
Empower and motivate young people to reflect on their own attitudes and take positive, meaningful action.
By the end, participants will:
Demonstrate improved awareness and understanding of the session topic.
Have reflected on their own attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours in relation to the issues raised.
Be able to identify positive actions they can take in their everyday lives.
Have experienced a session that felt relevant, honest, and genuinely worth their time.
Who is this for?
Young people from Year 8 upwards across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Suitable for year group assemblies (30–200 students), whole school events, PSHE enrichment days, alternative provision settings, and community youth gatherings. Matthew's delivery is adaptable — the same topic can be pitched differently for a Year 8 group and a Sixth Form audience, and for a mainstream school and an alternative provision setting.
Also available for staff audiences — including safeguarding awareness sessions, pastoral CPD, and leadership conference keynotes.
Investment
Year group assembly (45–60 minutes, up to 200 students): £500
Whole school keynote (up to 60 minutes): £700
Half-day enrichment (two to three groups, up to 90 students): £950
Full enrichment day (four or more groups): £1,200
All sessions include pre-delivery consultation and are fully inclusive of travel within Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire.
Follow-up resources and post-delivery pastoral debrief available on request — contact us to discuss.
For engagements outside Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire, travel and accommodation costs will be agreed in advance if necessary.
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