Tollerton Primary (Nottingham) – November 25
“Troy joined us during our Diversity and Inclusion week. From the first contact Troy was positive, supportive and motivated to make our week successful. Working within our theme of Belonging, Troy delivered a really engaging assembly, sharing his books and working in all classes in school alongside his snail -Thunder. Each session was perfectly adapted for age groups and needs, outcomes were planned to be different across each phase of school and the sessions encouraged maximum participation. Feedback from ALL staff was overwhelmingly positive; they enjoyed the sessions just as much as the children did. A huge thanks to Troy for helping us to deliver incredibly important messages to our community!”
K. Smith (Headteacher)
Fernvale Primary (Leicestershire) – October 2025
“Thanks so much for today. Can we book you again for World Book Day? Can’t wait to do more writing workshops!”
E. Barker, Deputy Head
Pride in Leadership Report Launch Event, Manchester
Claire Ebrey (Founder)
“I absolutely loved last night, thank you all for coming, and speaking at the report’s launch event.” Comments from participants included; “You were wonderful – great chatting with you.” “Really loved your talk.”
Belton Primary, Leicestershire
“Thank you for facilitating the performance management. It was certainly a positive experience and formally acknowledge the hard work, development and achievements so far.”
J White (Chair of Governors)
Amazon (Worldwide) – October 2024
On National Coming Out Day, Troy delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation to our GLAmazon chapter. His conference was packed with fascinating insights, blending personal stories with a wealth of compelling facts that deepened our understanding of the coming out journey and its impact on both individuals and communities. Troy’s ability to connect with the audience was remarkable, creating an atmosphere of openness and inclusivity. Members were especially impressed by his authenticity and the actionable takeaways he provided for fostering allyship and support within the workplace. The feedback from our chapter was overwhelmingly positive, with members expressing a high level of satisfaction and gratitude for the experience. Troy’s session not only informed but also inspired, making it a memorable highlight of our GLAmazon events. We look forward to collaborating with him again in the future!
A. Rodriguez, Launch Program Manager & Global Specialty Fulfillment
Claremont Primary, Nottingham – Feb 2025
What a day! It was such a pleasure to have Troy (& Thunder) visit our school. The children were so engaged from start to finish & it was clear to see they loved every minute. Troy hosted a KS2 assembly in our school, to hook the children in. During the assembly, gasps were heard & desperate hands shot up to answer his questions throughout. After, Year 3 & 4 took part in an interactive workshop, learning writing tips as they wrote their very own book. Having a book signing at the end was also a fantastic end to the visit, as the children were so enthused to take a book home from the author they had met that day. This has definitely made an impact on our school’s reading for pleasure attitudes. My favourite moment was when the children all found out Troy’s age when he wrote his first book – What a way to hook in a young writer!
M. Hayes (Reading Lead)
Woodcote Primary, Ashby de la Zouch – Feb 2025
We found the whole process so useful and it was fantastic CPD for our new senior leaders, helping them to drill down further into areas and looking at the deeper impact on children’s learning. The process helped the leaders with strategies, giving advice and suggestions to support others as part of their new roles. It was a thorough evaluation of the school and when giving the feedback at the end of the day, all staff felt like you really got to know and understand our school – they really appreciated that you put time aside to do this. Your child centred approach put less pressure on both the staff and the children, and your passion for developing learning was recognised by all of us. It was a really productive day. Thank you for working alongside us, valuing what we do and giving some really useful, practical advice to help move our school further forward.
S Jones (Headteacher)
Rushcliffe Borough Council Schools Alliance Pupil Parliament – Feb 2025
“Rushcliffe Schools Alliance Pupil Parliament recently had the pleasure of inviting Troy to be a guest speaker at our spring term meeting.
Troy has such a natural ability to easily speak to children and had them engrossed in one of his new books from the start.
Troy included the children throughout the presentation, asking for their thoughts and for any ideas they may have to enhance the story. As you can imagine the children had many questions for Troy afterwards which he was happy to answer.”
L. Horridge (SEMH Partnership)
NAHT EDI Conference (Jan 2025)
“I wanted to say a huge thank you for last week’s conference. We have a lot of positive praise from all parts of the day and members have been equipped with tools to challenge discrimination within their schools.”
L. Nahal – NAHT Regional Organiser
Nottingham Healthy Child Conference – November 2024
I would like to say a big thank you for supporting the Nottingham Healthy Child Conference last week and making it such a success. The feedback coming in from delegates is so positive for all aspects of the event. Many delegates I spoke to on the day were so inspired and energised.
Thank you for the time you took to plan your inputs and for being there on the day. I, and the rest of the Achieve Well Team, really appreciate all your efforts. We would love to collaborate in future.
C. Kirk, Achieve Well Team Manager, Nottingham City Council
New Swannington Primary (Leadership Support):
It was great to work with you yesterday and I want to thank you for your support and professionalism. I’ve had several external advisors to support the process of performance management and you have been the most effective and supportive by far! I will most certainly recommend you to colleagues!
It is great to work with another professional who really understands the unique highs and lows of headship and is skilled in facilitating the meetings between the Head and governors. Your empathy, knowledge and compassion is like a breath of fresh air and very much appreciated. Thank you!
J Ramsell (Headteacher) & C Lawrence (Chair of Governors)
Warren Hills Primary (Leadership Support):
Many thanks for this, we all really enjoyed the experience yesterday; it was lovely to welcome you into our school. The report is informative and helpful.
H Burns, Headteacher
Gloworm Festival (2024):
“We were thrilled to have Troy Jenkinson at Gloworm 2024, where he partnered with Positively Empowered Kids to create impactful storytelling sessions focused on kindness and inclusivity for families attending the event. Troy was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, bringing a wonderful energy and dedication to the project. We can’t wait to book him again for our future events!”
R. McGlone, Event Organiser
Excerpt from an inspection report at James Peacock Infants:
“Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is taught well… The aim is for all pupils to see themselves in the curriculum and in the books they read. Pupils speak highly of an author visit as one example of this. This visit developed pupils’ understanding and respect for different family groups.”
OFSTED, May 2024
GEC Empowering Young Peopleto Change the World Webinar:
“I always try to have a next step or action point from CPD… I’ve loads of takeaways, but I think I’ll start with Troy’s blog”
“… whether by luck or design, GEC Collective pulled together speakers who took us on journeys. A motivation, self confidence or personal journey with Troy. Fab approach.”
“Great speakers but was most inspired by the supportive educator community… the Head seeking post-OFSTED help from Action Jackson & Troy offering an ear & the virtual hug he received made me cry… beautiful & so important.”
“I love picture books. Bravo Troy for championing them & that it was echoed by Kari Anson was joyous.”
“Loved the style & vibe of today’s session… Troy’s story & experience resonated. Thanks man for sharing.”
“Epic 463 teacher engagements”
Delegate feedback following delivery.
Underwood CE Primary:, Nottinghamshire
“We are all agreed that Monday was a significant day in the life of our school. As you are aware we are largely at the beginning of our EDI journey and your input will be seen as pivotal as we continue on this journey. It was great that you reached so many different aspects of our community…the children and staff of course but also our chair of governors and the kitchen staff as well! I would appreciate the opportunity for us to keep in touch in the future and I will certainly recommend you to colleagues when I get the opportunity.”
I. Baxter, Headteacher
Leicester City Council
“Thank you again for leading and presenting the walk on Sunday, which was insightful. It was a good addition to the Walk Leicester Festival this year and great that you included contributions from the walkers too.”
S Coy & N. Mistry, Active Travel Training Co-ordinator & Transport Development Officer
AVEVA Group Ltd
“An awesome live talk celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility by the incredible children’s author, Troy Jenkinson. Troy is a passionate advocate for inclusivity who creates positive change through the power of storytelling. As an accomplished author of children’s books, he celebrates diversity and fosters empathy in young readers. His books can be used to introduce the notion of developing a sense of self-identity or to discuss equality and tolerance.”
O. Ryan
Langar C of E Primary, Nottinghamshire
“Troy engaged the children and staff, from the moment they entered the hall with his warmth, infectious enthusiasm and Giant African Land Snail! His books are well written and gently cover topics that staff may find difficult to introduce to children. He manages to incorporate personal stories and anecdotes to encourage empathy. Our children thoroughly enjoyed the assembly and writers workshop and learned valuable lessons about diverse families in the process.”
E Brown, Headteacher
Capital One UK
“Thanks Troy – I feel so privileged to have been able to take an hour out of work to listen to you! You’ve made me pause, reflect and learn. I really loved being part of this session.”
S Quinton, Internal Communications Manager
Leicestershire Primary Heads
“I just wanted to say thank you again for your effort to accommodate us all in last week’s LPH meeting. Although it was my first, I thought the setting, structure and delivery were perfect and thoroughly look forward to the next one.”
C Collins, Deputy Headteacher, Oakfield Short Stay School.
“I’ve just gone through the PPoint and shared relevant pages with the relevant staff – a very positive and helpful day.”
P Brockless, Headteacher, Stonebow Primary
Longfield Spencer Academy (Secondary)
“We would highly recommend Troy’s writing workshop; he really planted a seed in the student’s creativity and they had a lot of fun writing their stories. Troy is also engaging and has just the right balance between making things fun and keeping students on task. A reluctant reader who is easily distracted and produces minimal output asked if he could do the same every week!”
P. Chauhan, Librarian
Bunny C of E Primary, Nottinghamshire
“Thanks for coming today. The children have loved it as have the staff. It has been great for our little school. I will circulate this via the Rushcliffe Heads group.”
V White, Headteacher
James Peacock Infant & Nursery School, Nottinghamshire
“We loved welcoming Education, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Author, Troy Jenkinson to school today as part of our World Book Day celebrations. The children thoroughly enjoyed the assembly and follow up workshops. The book signing after school was a highlight too. Thank you to the Friends of James Peacock for supporting this and Troy for a wonderful experience.”
S Srichan, English Lead
Astrea Academy Trust, Sheffield
“Very passionate and engaging. Thanks for your input, your session was very well received.”
R. Gray, Regional Director of Schools
“Really inspiring. Troy was funny, realistic & helpful. He also provided useful further links & reading for both children and staff.”
G Nicolson, Teacher, Astrea Academy, Sheffield
Berkswell C of E Primary, Solihull
“Thank you so much for today, the children have gone home absolutely buzzing!”
H. Parker, English Lead,
Leicester & Leicestershire SCITT:
“Troy prepared and delivered a fantastic EDI training session to our trainees. They all came away with new information and keen to learn more. It was a pleasure to watch them during the day and I would highly recommend Troy as he made everything clear and easy to understand along with it being fun; enabling our trainees the chance to get to know each other more.”
J. Gallagher, Marketing Manager
Nottinghamshire Pride:
“We would like to thank Troy for his work at Notts Pride 23 – for years we were looking for something inclusive for families and younger people. Troy was the perfect fit his activities and stories were colourful, imaginative and brought LGBT+ inclusivity to life. This supported our ambition to make Notts Pride a day for all ages to enjoy and feel part of our wonderful community. Thank you Troy we look forward to working with you again in 2024.”
L. Ellis Chair, Nottinghamshire Pride
“It was great to see activities like Troy’s for families to join in with after the excitement of the parade. Great fun and great books.”
Parent of child attending Pride.
Capital One UK:
“Thanks again for joining us for our Pride celebrations, it was wonderful to have you with us and I know our associates will have really enjoyed your talks and stalls. We had a lovely piece of feedback from a survey we ran following our Pride event. A Capital One Associate said the activities provided for the little ones were great. Troy was fantastic and my little one loved colouring in loads of snails.”
D. Richards Head of Corporate Responsibility
VF Corporation (brands including North Face & Vans):
“Thank you so much for doing such a great presentation. People really seemed to have enjoyed it and sent great feedback in the chat. It was educational and heart-warming. I’ll be honest, some of our VF Pride group got a bit emotional watching the webinar (myself included). It is such an important conversation to have. Thank you again!!”
J Stam, Change & Optimisation Co-Ordinator & Inclusion Network Partner
Kaplan International College:
“Troy led workshops for staff and students at our college. They were informative, eye-opening and have helped the college move forwards in being more inclusive. They raised aware of issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community and how individuals can be supported. We hope such sessions can become a fixed feature in the academic calendar.”
S. Ali, Academic Manager (EAP)
All Saint’s C of E, Wigston, Leicestershire:
“Troy captivated the whole school (including adults) with his inclusive and inspiring assembly. From there, myself and my class were lucky enough to have him for a lesson where every child had the opportunity to become an author!” Children as still speaking of this lesson weeks on, and constantly asking for us to do more lessons like this and if Troy is coming back. It was wonderful to see my class come alive in such a creative way through this brilliant workshop. I have already highly recommend him to teaching friends and look forward to working with him again in the future.”
C. Martin, Y5/6 Teacher
“Our children absolutely loved listening to his story. Even those who normally struggle found it funny and engaging. Worth having authors like Troy in.”
J. Wright Head Teacher
Flying High Academy Trust Schools:
“Six schools! You’re a popular man! A fantastic opportunity for the children to see what they can aspire to.“
P Goodman, Deputy CEO
“It was great to have you in school. The children loved you and the story. It is such an important message. I hope you saw how many of our parents liked the tweets so clearly this opened up some great conversations at home as well.”
N Capek, Head Teacher
“The feedback from the children today was excellent. It was great to have you in school sharing the messages from your books… the staff are using the story to support work in classes next week.”
K Clowery, Head Teacher
Pride in Belper:
“Troy was invited to deliver sessions for Pride in Belper 2023, based on the founding principles of Sustainability, Accessibility, Inclusion and Diversity. I had seen Troy’s work and felt he was an excellent fit for our requirements. Troy didn’t disappoint and in fact exceeded my expectations. Despite the driving rain (the wettest day of the summer!) He remained ever professional, calm and delivering such joy to the families that visited us. His story was a firm favourite and is a beautiful way to introduce young and old to diversity and celebrating who you are. The sessions were interactive, fun, inclusive and accessible. Troy was on time, with all of the equipment needed, easy to communicate with and ran the sessions like the true professional he is. I can highly recommend him for schools, festivals and events.”
F. Goldsmith, Inclusion Specialist
Mr Gay UK:
“Just walked into a lovely surprise delivery today, looking forward to reading it.”
Stuart Hatton Jr, Winner
Mama G Family Pride Party:
“Are you ready for a pride month book recommendation? Good. There’s no need to rush this one, we can take this nice and slowly, reading this beautiful book and attempting to make slime…”
Mama G, Drag Story Teller
Literacy Volunteers Early Years Project:
“Thank you so much for coming, Troy. It’s so valuable to model as many different stories and storytellers to our families. I’m particularly pleased you noticed our support for a mum and child undergoing a diagnosis. It has been so important to ensure they feel part of the group. [Having a child with autism] can make you feel so isolated, so a welcoming environment for all is super important.”
L Jaggard, Team Leader
Newark Book Festival
“A huge thank you from us to you for coming to be part of the Newark Book Festival family. We had an amazing time this year and had record numbers of visitors and positive feedback.”
S Bullimore, Arts Consultant
Troy Jenkinson 