Last term, Year 8 became entrepreneurs as they took part in the 10X Challenge, a national competition run by @youngenterpriseuk – the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity for 11 to 19 year olds.

Around 90 students in 18 teams took part. Each group was pledged £20 from the 10X Bank as start-up capital to get their enterprise off the ground, with four weeks to set up their business, design a brand and logo, and create their products for sale.

At the same time, 30 Year 9 students in six teams took part in the Tycoon Enterprise Competition. In this national competition run by the Peter Jones Foundation, each team wrote a business plan, was provided with a risk-free goodwill loan and competed through a safe kickstarter-style platform. It was a great experience for all, however our Tycoon teams did not make the national final this year.

The highlight of the term was the Enterprise Fair, which took place just before the Easter holiday. Our young entrepreneurs from both year groups presented their products to sell to students and staff, including handmade bracelets and earrings, posters, hair accessories, customised charms, crocheted items, lip glosses and balms, keyrings and more!

Miss Watkins, Head of Innovation and Enterprise at NHEHS was very proud of all our teams, saying: “The Enterprise Fair was a huge success and it was great to see the girls’ enthusiasm, creativity and innovative selling techniques.”

At the end of the 10X Challenge the students paid back the £20 start-up pledge plus a £2 legacy contribution, but any profit could be kept and it was up to the teams to decide how to spend it. The winners were: Most profitable – Evil Jewels with £303 profit; Best logo – Evil Jewels; Best stall – Oystar; Most original idea – Glow prints (3D printed fidget animals). 

Not to be left out, 15 of our Year 12 students made up three teams to enter the GAIN Investment Challenge. This annual stock pitch competition aims to provide young women and non-binary students in Years 10 to 13 with a unique insight into the world of investment management and key analysis skills. Pupils had to research a stock (Ocado, Burberry or ASOS), then deliver a stock pitch suggesting whether stock should be bought, sold or held. Unfortunately, there were no winners this year but our teams received very positive feedback from the judges.

Well done to all our entrepreneurs – a promising future awaits!  Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mAmjp4CU8cr-I5UTufS2XDZoIJ50GnnR