Simon Dean

Simon Dean OBE DL is the Founder and CEO of Challenger Troop CIC, (founded in 2007) a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing early intervention provision to education and social inclusion for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people facing challenges in education.

Simon’s vision is to empower all young people disadvantaged by their circumstances, particularly those facing issues like mental health, disabilities, educational exclusion, exploitation, and youth crime. His commitment goes beyond Challenger Troop, having founded and supported initiatives like the Kent Challenger Games, the Army Cadet Force National Outreach Programme, and worked with several Education Secretaries to develop and expand the Outreach programme in 1000’s of schools. These programmes have been evaluated by Brighton University where the impact of the programmes has been proven to have made a very significant impact on behaviour, attendance and attainment. This intensive in school and off-site provision is focused on providing opportunities, resources, and guidance for youth both inside and outside the classroom.

Under Simon’s leadership, Challenger Troop has positively impacted and continues to turn around the lives of 1000’s young people across the South-East of England and beyond every year.