Virgin Galactic Astronaut Colin Bennett Returns to School in Somerset to Inspire Students

A Virgin Galactic astronaut recently made a special visit to his former school in Somerset to inspire current students. Colin Bennett, who once attended Clevedon School, returned to share his journey from being a student to becoming a chief engineer at Virgin Galactic.

Bennett, who now works on the team for Sir Richard Branson’s space company, spoke to students about his career in space exploration. He emphasized the importance of dreaming big and believing in possibilities. 

“It’s about inspiring the next generation,” he explained, “and showing them that their dreams, no matter how big, can become a reality.”

Colin Bennett Reflecting on His Roots

During his visit, Bennett reflected on returning to Clevedon School after more than 20 years. 

“It feels amazing to be back,” he said. “When I was a student, I loved science, but I never imagined it would lead to a career in space. It was just a dream back then.”

His story struck a chord with the students. Kian, one of the pupils, expressed his admiration, saying, 

“Hearing his story makes me want to reach for the stars too. If he could do it, so can we.”

Honoring an Achievement

In 2021, Bennett took the school’s “Be Kind, Be Brilliant” flag to the edge of space aboard Virgin Spaceship Unity. In recognition of his achievements, Clevedon School named its science building the “Colin Bennett Science Centre.”

Despite his success, Bennett reminded the students that they don’t have to be perfect to achieve great things. 

“I even failed math in Year 12,” he admitted, “but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion. You don’t need to be the smartest in the room to have an incredible career.”

Bennett, one of the few people from the UK to have traveled to space, feels privileged to represent Clevedon and the Southwest in his extraordinary journey beyond Earth.