A young man once labeled as “Britain’s naughtiest kid” has turned his life around, now earning £360,000 a year running a personal development academy in Thailand. Tom Roberts, 24, gained notoriety in 2014 after appearing on Channel 4’s Mr Drew’s School For Boys, where his behavioral issues were documented. His journey from troubled youth to successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of personal transformation.
Tom’s early life in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, was marked by frequent conflicts and emotional struggles. He was just 11 years old when he joined the show, which aimed to help children with behavioral issues. Reflecting on his past, Tom acknowledges that his actions were often “awful.” It was not until he faced two convictions for grievous bodily harm in 2020 and 2021 that he realized he needed to change. These experiences provided the “wake-up call” that prompted him to take responsibility for his life.
After being released from HMP Hindley in March 2023, Tom dedicated himself to self-improvement. He immersed himself in wellness literature and sought guidance from renowned life coach Bob Proctor. This newfound focus led him to relocate to Koh Samui, Thailand, where he founded his personal development academy, Generation I, in December 2023.
Building a New Life and Business
In less than two years, Tom has established a client base of 240 individuals from various countries, generating approximately £30,000 monthly. His academy offers tailored development programs designed to help clients “transform their lives” and “rewrite their own story.”
Tom’s journey has been deeply personal. He shared, “I got into a lot of trouble. I was always fighting and didn’t know how to control my emotions.” The death of his father, who succumbed to alcoholism when Tom was just nine, compounded his struggles. His behavior escalated to the point where he was expelled from primary school for insulting his headteacher, leading his mother, Christina Sadler, to suggest he participate in the show.
Describing his experience on the programme, Tom noted, “The staff were trained specifically in helping those with behavioral management problems.” While he acknowledges that the show did not provide a complete solution, it was a step towards his eventual transformation. Following his time on the show, he faced further challenges in secondary school, resulting in another expulsion just three months in.
Tom eventually found success at a special school, Archers Brook, where he completed his GCSEs. Despite pursuing business studies in college, his emotional struggles persisted. In November 2020, he received an 11-month suspended sentence for grievous bodily harm after an incident at a bowling alley. His second conviction in September 2021, resulting from an assault at a nightclub, led to an 18-month sentence in a young offenders institution.
A Journey of Reflection and Growth
During his time in custody, Tom found structure and peace. “I would eat, sleep, train, walk and go outside at the same time every day,” he explained. He began reading extensively about personal development and self-improvement, igniting a desire to start his own business.
Upon his release in March 2023, Tom was determined to “start anew.” He relocated to Thailand in November, where he launched Generation I shortly after. The academy focuses on helping clients harness their potential and overcome personal challenges.
“It’s such a fulfilling job,” Tom remarked. “For most of my childhood—basically until now—people have told me that I’d amount to nothing. And now I’m an entrepreneur shaping lives for the better.” He emphasizes that one’s past does not define their future, stating, “You are not defined by your past, and I’m living proof that you can always turn a new leaf.”
Tom Roberts stands as a testament to resilience and the power of change. His story encourages others to seek help and embrace personal growth, demonstrating that transformation is indeed possible.
