Bear Grylls says education is often ‘so boring’ and fails to prepare children for ‘battles of life’

Bear Grylls has accused schools of failing to give children “an edge in life”, arguing that “so much of education” is boring.

The Chief Scout and TV survival expert, who is a father of three, said traditional education was “falling short”.

“It’s never been a tougher time for young people than right now,” said the old Etonian, 48, who is famed for his Born Survivor and other adventure series.

“There’s more anxiety, more pressure, more uncertainty than ever before. The world is ever faster, ever more competitive.

“So much of education, even life skills education, is often so boring. And I think so much school education ill equips students and young people for the real battles of life, the sort of skills that really matter in life rooted in attitudes, relationships, and skills and knowledge.”

Grylls, who was educated at Ludgrove School and Eton College, where the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex were also pupils, said school underfunding was partly to blame.

‘Demystify success’

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter about his new TV series Becoming Xtraordinary – which is based on his personal development business BecomingX – he said his goal was to “demystify success” for youngsters and give them “real-life tools and skills”. 

He added: “Through BecomingX, we see thousands of schools, and it’s not their fault. They’re busy, they’re underpaid, understaffed and run off their feet. It’s other people’s job to create cutting-edge content with brilliant people that are going to speak a language young people understand.”

The former soldier’s new 10-part series, which debuted on the Da Vinci network in the US last month, features Hollywood stars, sporting figures, and Nobel laureates discussing their journeys to success. 

‘I’ve never met a strong person who’s had an easy past’

Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Courteney Cox and Roger Federer are among those who have taken part.

“I’ve been so lucky in my job to have incredible access to brilliant people, and brilliant people have often had battles and battles and battles behind them,” added Grylls, who was appointed Chief Scout in 2009.