Charlie Boorman, the renowned adventurer and television presenter known for the "Long Way" motorcycle series with Ewan McGregor, has deep roots at Sibford School that shaped his remarkable career.
His Time at Sibford School
Charlie Boorman attended Sibford School, a Quaker school near Banbury, Oxfordshire from 1980 until 1983, where he received extra lessons in a specialist department catering for pupils with dyslexia.
Why He Came to Sibford
A Turning Point
He told current pupils how he came to Sibford after being diagnosed with dyslexia on a trip to the States.
The School's Impact on His Life
Building Confidence
This confidence became the foundation for Charlie's adventurous career, enabling him to overcome challenges and pursue his passion for motorcycling and travel across the globe.
Coming Home: His Return Visit
Inspiring the Next Generation
Charlie Boorman returned to Sibford School to speak to students, sharing his experiences and offering encouragement.
A packed audience of pupils and parents heard Charley tell of his current adventure Sydney to Tokyo: By Any Means which was being screened on BBC 2. He also recalled some of the pranks he got up to during his school years—including climbing the drainpipe to get into the girls' boarding house—and offered advice on how to deal with dyslexia.
We were delighted to welcome Charley back to school. A favourite piece of advice we use here comes from the Quaker Advices & Queries, and says: 'Live adventurously. When choices arrive, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak.' Charley has certainly taken this advice to heart. His adventurous living is well documented and he is also letting his life speak, especially in the work he does for UNICEF and for the charity Dyslexia Action. He was a real inspiration to our pupils.
His Lasting Legacy
President of Dyslexia Action
In 2009, Charlie Boorman became president of Dyslexia Action, a charity that helps people with dyslexia—directly influenced by his positive experience receiving dyslexia support at Sibford School.
His work with the charity includes raising awareness and encouraging people with dyslexia to embrace their potential, just as Sibford helped him do.
Living Adventurously
Charlie embodies the Quaker principle taught at Sibford: "Live adventurously." His career exemplifies how the school's supportive environment and values helped shape a global adventurer.
Career Highlights
Notable Adventures
- Long Way Round (2004) - Motorcycle journey from London to New York with Ewan McGregor
- Long Way Down (2007) - Journey from Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa
- Long Way Up (2020) - Electric motorcycle journey from South America to Alaska
- Long Way Home (2025) - Latest adventure in the series
- By Any Means - Multiple series traveling using local transport
- Race to Dakar (2006) - Competed in the legendary Dakar Rally
- UNICEF Ambassador - Supporting children's causes since 2004
In Summary
Sibford School's specialized support for dyslexia was transformative for Charlie Boorman, giving him the confidence to pursue his adventurous career as a travel writer, television presenter, and motorcyclist. His journey from a struggling student with dyslexia to a world-renowned adventurer and charity president demonstrates the profound impact that the right educational environment can have on a young person's life. Charlie continues to credit Sibford with giving him the foundation and confidence to "live adventurously" and inspire others around the world.