Why We Should Teach Confidence in Schools

When I started primary school, it was in the “olden days”—back when teachers were still allowed to use the belt. In our small village school, I remember the head teacher seeming to relish using the belt on some of the older boys, while my primary one teacher was quick to whack our knuckles with a ruler if we drifted into daydreams, chatted too much, or simply acted like children. Back then, discipline was expected to shape us. But encouragement and confidence-building? Those were rare.

Thankfully, those harsh days are behind us, and education has transformed in remarkable ways. But as much as schools have changed, one essential piece is still missing: we aren’t teaching confidence.

We’ve all had teachers who made an impact, for better or worse. There were those who pulled us aside and said, “You did a great job,” or “I see real potential in you.” And, just as vividly, we remember the ones who muttered, “You’ll never amount to anything.” Words have power, yes—but as Maya Angelou wisely said, we don’t always remember what people said, but we never forget how they made us feel.

So, why don’t we treat confidence as fundamental as reading or maths? Imagine if every child began life with a solid foundation of self-belief. Imagine how that could transform the world.

I recently listened to Brené Brown’s interview with Kamala Harris, who spoke about growing up in a community where children were constantly reminded, “You are special.” But she also shared how important it is to have people who will tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, like the friend who lets you know, “Hey, you’ve got it wrong this time,” or “You need a mint.” That balance between support and honesty builds real confidence—the kind that lets us take constructive criticism, laugh at our mistakes, and get back up stronger.

True confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience. It’s the belief that even when we stumble, we have the courage to learn, grow, and shine. And isn’t that a lesson worth teaching?

In other news?

I’m making a listener episode of my podcast and I want to hear from YOU.

I’d love if you could leave me a voice note on whatsapp +447974841957 and tell me “what does brave mean to you?”