Abstract Aim Inclusivity and diversity of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds is unequal within surgery. Diversification of the workforce is a requirement for the future of surgery to ensure high quality patient care is provided (Hassan, 2023). The School’s Engagement Session, originating with the British Hip Society and replicated with British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), aimed to introduce the idea of a career in medicine or surgery to children from non-selective state schools. Method Three school groups, twenty-four students and three staff members, attended day three of the annual BOA conference. Highly engaging medical student presentations, industry stand activities, and hands-on consultant led surgical based stations sparked interest and provided ‘work-experience’ opportunities; an increasingly challenging pre-requisite for applicants to acquire. Resources, lunch, and room availability were all supported by the BOA. Results Directly addressing students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds about a career in surgery, which many had not previously considered, stimulated their interest in this as a career. Feedback from accompanying educators, acknowledged their lack of insight regarding accessibility, and students explicitly demonstrated the positive impact of these in-person engagement events. Many students explained how this newly acquired knowledge had empowered the possibility of pursuing a medical career. Conclusions Replication of this highly successful event demonstrated the impact of engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds upon future surgical diversity. Nationwide reproducible events are therefore warranted to reduce inequality in medicine and surgery. Medical student through to consultant involvement with future engagement work will diversify and sustain the surgical workforce within the UK.