At Blairgowrie High School, Mrs. Sylvia Hathaway recently organised an online event to help students understand the value of learning languages for future career opportunities. The virtual event connected students with four speakers who shared their experiences of using languages in their careers. Two speakers joined from Scotland, and two from London, offering a range of perspectives on how language skills can enhance career prospects.

How the Event Worked

The speakers discussed their own language-learning journeys and explained how they have applied their language skills in the workplace. After the presentations, students had the chance to ask questions that they had previously prepared, and the speakers took turns answering based on their expertise.

Key Takeaways from the Event

Through this event, students gained a clearer understanding of how languages can broaden job opportunities and open doors to exciting travel experiences. One of the most impactful lessons was the realisation that learning languages can be a significant advantage in the job market. One speaker shared their regret at not having studied languages at school, highlighting how this had impacted their career trajectory. Another speaker, who had learned languages later in life, encouraged students to invest time in learning languages now to benefit their future selves.

The event also showed students that language learning is not a race—everyone learns at their own pace, and the important thing is to stick with it. Many students left the event feeling motivated to continue their language studies, with some even expressing a desire to keep pursuing Spanish, inspired by the real-world applications shared during the session.

Mrs. Hathaway reflected on the success of the event, noting that technology allowed them to connect with speakers from a variety of locations, including London, Edinburgh, and Perth. 

She appreciated the support provided by F4S in helping set up the event, finding the right speakers, and addressing any queries. According to Mrs. Hathaway, the students gained a lot from the event, and many expressed interest in hearing from additional speakers in the future.

Career Education Standard “I Can” Statements

The event aligned with several Career Education Standard “I Can” Statements, including:

• “I can discuss the relevance of skills to the wider world and make connections between skills and the world of work.”
• “I can explain to others my ambitions/what I would like to do and look for ways to achieve them/that.”
• “I can recognise the skills I have and need for work.”
• “I can identify people in my network who help me broaden my horizons.”

Student Reactions

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound motivation to continue their language studies. Some of the comments included:

“Motivated to continue with languages”

“Makes me want to keep doing Spanish”

“I learned how languages are largely used across jobs and can even help you get a job.”

This event demonstrates the significant impact that F4S encounters can have in inspiring students to think about their future career paths and the skills they need to develop to succeed. For Blairgowrie High School, this was just one of many steps in helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

If you’re a teacher interested in organising a similar event, F4S is a valuable resource to connect your students with business leaders who can offer insights and advice that will inspire them to pursue their goals.

At King’s Park Secondary School in Glasgow, Niamh Egan recently organised a F4S encounter for S4 students, focusing on two crucial aspects for career readiness: soft skills and mental health.

The session began by exploring the soft skills required to succeed in an interview setting, offering students practical insights into how they can present themselves confidently in professional situations. In addition, the event addressed the topic of mental health—highlighting its impact in the workplace and fostering open discussions about attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing in the professional world.

This encounter aligned with key Curriculum for Excellence outcomes, including encouraging students to reflect on their skills, make informed career choices, and plan for future transitions. The event also addressed Career Education Standard “I can” statements, helping students understand how to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, such as job applications and interviews.

A key takeaway from the session came from Valerie Michie from The Huntercombe Group, who shared:

“We all know ways to look after our physical health and we can all learn ways to look after our mental health too.”

The students gained a deeper understanding of how mental health is just as important as physical health, and how they can take proactive steps to ensure their wellbeing in the future.

This event underscores the importance of developing both emotional resilience and practical skills as students transition into the workforce. By tackling mental health alongside career skills, King’s Park is setting a strong foundation for students to navigate the challenges ahead.

If you’re interested in similar opportunities for your school, F4S provides a great platform to connect students with business leaders who can share invaluable knowledge and advice.

At Deanston Primary School near Doune, Alan Atkinson recently organised an engaging F4S encounter for students in P4 to P7. The event was a unique opportunity for young learners to connect with the local business community while covering key elements of the Curriculum for Excellence and the Career Education Standard.

The interactive event allowed students to explore various career paths, with a particular focus on technology jobs, and learn how these careers will evolve in the future. Students were encouraged to think about their own ambitions, how to achieve them, and recognise the skills they possess.

One P5 student shared their key takeaway:

“I learned about different jobs, lots of technology jobs. I learned that jobs will change in the future.”

This encounter helped bring the world of work directly into the classroom, aligning with the Career Education Standard by giving students the chance to discuss career opportunities with employers and understand the different ways to enter various fields.

Such initiatives not only inspire students but also prepare them for future careers in an ever-changing world. If you’re looking for ways to engage students with the world of work, 

F4S is a fantastic resource to help make these connections.

At Brentford School for Girls, a recent event organised via F4S created waves of inspiration, excitement, and unexpected outcomes. Bobby Ahmadzadeh, a teacher and event organiser, set out to motivate students and broaden their understanding of future career opportunities. The impact exceeded all expectations.

Why F4S?

Bobby first discovered F4S through a tech-industry colleague who advised on the platform. As a Teach First ambassador passionate about raising aspirations, Bobby wanted to help students think big about their futures.

“Sadly, many pupils don’t feel passionate or enthused about their future. F4S seemed like an excellent way to change that mindset.”

The ease of the platform made the decision even easier. From selecting high-calibre speakers to organising the event, the process was seamless and time-efficient—a huge plus for any teacher juggling multiple responsibilities.

An Event That Made an Impact

The after-school event featured four inspirational business leaders, each sharing their unique stories and career journeys. The variety of speakers ensured that every student in the audience connected with at least one role model. Bobby shared:

“The turnout was great, and the event ran well beyond the expected time—students didn’t want it to end!”

The engagement continued after the talks, with nearly 80% of students staying behind to ask questions and network with the speakers.

The event’s success was clear through student feedback and real actions:

• Surge in ambition: Students approached Bobby with new ideas, including an app concept that led to referrals for resources and guidance.
• Career focus: Students began exploring competitive programmes like LSE Choice and summer schools.
• Interest in Economics: A lunchtime economics club was planned, and 6th-form enrolments for economics surged from 25 to 51 students—an unprecedented rise.
• Real opportunities: Maitri, one of the students, pursued an internship through F4S, working on database coding for an app. This experience inspired her to change her university subject of study from History to Computer Science.

“The event far surpassed any expectations. Students were excited, motivated, and actively seeking opportunities beyond the classroom.”

What surprised Bobby the most was the calibre and impact of the speakers. Experienced staff at the school remarked that they had “never seen an event so amazing!”  The stories shared were relatable, engaging, and left a lasting impression on students and teachers alike.

“It surprised me how easy it was to set up the event. I only wish more teachers realised this!”

With just 10 minutes of planning, Bobby is already looking forward to the next event for Year 11 students this September.

​​Inspiring the Future Generation

The F4S event didn’t just motivate students—it transformed their outlook on what they can achieve. From sparking entrepreneurial ideas to inspiring career changes, the event proved the power of connecting young minds with real-world role models.

If you’re a teacher looking to ignite ambition and open doors for your students, F4S can help you make it happen. Start planning your event today!

At The Thomas Alleyne School, Giovanna Newbery, KS5 Curriculum Lead, has been delivering outstanding role model events as part of the Sixth Form Enrichment Programme. Using F4S to connect with local business leaders, Giovanna has given her students the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Over the years, Giovanna has organised three role model events featuring local millionaires and successful business leaders. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students feeling inspired and better informed about their potential career pathways.

Why F4S?

Giovanna first heard about F4S in 2013 through the Principal of North Herts College and has used the platform every year since. When asked why, she shared:

“The ease of access for organising visits and calibre of keynote speakers.”

The platform’s efficiency, combined with its ability to deliver high-quality speakers, has made it a valuable resource for the school.

The events have had a profound impact on students, who benefit from hearing directly from professionals with years of experience. Giovanna highlighted the value of the sessions:

“The benefits are multifold in that all students are inspired in some way by the speakers. The sessions allow students to ask tailored questions and receive advice, guidance, and expertise.”

The students particularly connected with one speaker’s RPM acronym – “Result, Purpose, My Action” – a message that resonates across any career pathway. They also discovered exciting, lesser-known careers such as the role of a “data architect”, broadening their understanding of modern job opportunities.

Students left feeling empowered, equipped with practical advice, and excited about their futures.

Giovanna described the process of setting up events as:

“Efficient, timely, and well organised.”

The simplicity of the platform allows teachers to focus on their students while ensuring the events run seamlessly.

Why Recommend F4S?

For Giovanna, the success of these events speaks for itself:

“Students always enjoy listening to other teachers! The information and guidance they receive is invaluable. I have recommended F4S for all the reasons listed above.”

By connecting schools with inspirational business leaders, F4S continues to empower students to think differently about their future career options and seize new opportunities.

If you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students with real-world insights, start planning your next event!

At Greenwood Academy in Birmingham, Nick Cheese wanted to provide his Year 9 students with insights into what it takes to build a successful future. To achieve this, he used F4S to connect with local business leaders and invite them to speak to 150 students about careers, skills, and pathways to success.

Nick welcomed four inspiring speakers into the school:

• Carl Adkins, Founder of Infinityccs.com

• Michaela Powell, Owner and MD of Aspire People Limited

• Ewen Anderson, Founder of Centralis Transformations Limited

• Stuart Mackintosh, Director at Xi Software Limited

A Shared Experience

The event provided valuable advice, inspiring students to think about their future ambitions and careers. For the speakers, it was equally rewarding.

“I hope the pupils benefited from the event as much as the speakers! For me, it was of great value to put my mind to the lessons I had learned and how I should communicate this to the students at Greenwood. If this inspired just one person, it was well worthwhile.”

- Stuart Mackintosh

“I was very pleased to be able to help the staff at Greenwood Academy provide their pupils with a view on what the world of work can be like, and what employers are looking for when hiring young people. I’d strongly recommend it to other speakers and schools.”

- Ewen Anderson

A Step Towards the Future

By connecting students with real-life business leaders, Greenwood Academy gave its Year 9 students the opportunity to hear first-hand about career journeys, challenges, and success stories. These interactions are vital in raising aspirations and helping young people prepare for the world of work.

At F4S, we believe every student should have access to inspirational role models. If you’re a teacher looking to organise an event at your school, get started for free!

At Bexleyheath Academy, inspiring students and broadening their career horizons is a top priority. To help motivate their Key Stage 4  and Key Stage 5 students, Beckie Knight-Croft, Director of Pathways, organises keynote speeches once a term. Her goal is to encourage students to think differently about their career options and discover opportunities they might not have considered before.

Discovering F4S

While searching for ways to bring exceptional speakers into the classroom, Beckie came across F4S through a blog post on Broadband Security. She was impressed by the service, explaining:

“It fitted in really well with our whole-school careers programme. I was able to choose the date of the event and target particular students to attend.”

Using the free platform, Beckie identified two exceptional business leaders to speak at Bexleyheath Academy: Ajay Chowdhury and Robert Gardner—both successful entrepreneurs whose businesses generate a combined turnover of over £149 million.

A Powerful Experience for Students

The keynote speeches had a lasting impact on the students, leaving them “blown away” by what they heard. For many, it was an eye-opening experience to listen to real-world success stories.

“Having the opportunity to listen to current CEOs who have succeeded throughout their lives was eye-opening. We got to hear about the routes they have taken along their career paths on their quest to get where they are today.”

- John Marney, Year 13 Student.

“It was an inspiring opportunity to listen to two people who have had very different career pathways. For me, it was great to hear from Robert Gardner as he has taken a similar route to the one I am looking at, and it was amazing to hear from Ajay Chowdhury about all the things he has been involved in, including founding Shazam!”

- Jared Baseley, Year 13 Student.

The Lasting Impact

The opportunity to hear directly from professionals had a clear impact on the students’ attitudes and aspirations. Beckie explained:

“The messages delivered by Robert and Ajay, especially key themes around persistence and following your dreams, will make a huge difference to our students.”

For subjects like business studies, these real-world connections provide a tangible link between the classroom and future careers. Beckie noted:

“It helps students determine what they want to do in the foreseeable future.”

Would Beckie Recommend F4S?

The answer is a resounding “Absolutely!”

F4S made it easy for Beckie to organise the event, invite local business leaders, and create an experience that left a lasting impression on her students.

If you’re a teacher looking to inspire your students and connect them with real-world role models, F4S can help you make it happen.

For many students, the idea of becoming an entrepreneur can feel out of reach. However, the success of countless innovators proves that entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding and impactful career paths available today. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) celebrates this spirit of innovation and progress with over 29,000 activities in 150+ countries, highlighting the individuals driving positive change worldwide.

One school taking part in this global celebration was West Hill School in Stalybridge. Led by Paul Butterworth, Assistant Headteacher, the school organised a series of inspiring events connecting 160 Year 8 students with 15 business leaders from a wide range of industries and backgrounds.

A Day of Inspiration and Real-World Insight

The students at West Hill School had the opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, giving them valuable insight into how the subjects they study today can lead to exciting careers in the future. Speakers shared their career journeys, providing real-life examples of resilience, hard work, and passion—all key messages the school is keen to instill in its students.

Paul Butterworth reflected on the impact of the events:

“All of the presentations gave valuable insights into possible career pathways and certainly met the brief of inspiring our pupils. The speakers provided quality advice and clear messages about working hard at school, aiming high, and working for something you love. They also talked about the importance of resilience—all of which are key messages that we want to promote, backed up by the speakers’ real-life experiences.”

The business leaders enjoyed connecting with the students, sharing their insights, and answering thoughtful questions. Many expressed how rewarding it was to inspire the next generation:

“Great day @westhillschool talking about business experience. Thanks to @Founders4School.”

- Tina Lucas

“A pleasure. And an interesting start to the day!”

- Simon Swan

“I really enjoyed visiting West Hill School today. The pupils were very polite and asked lots of interesting questions.”

- Cat Lewis

The Power of Student-Employer Encounters

Throughout the week, students attended multiple sessions, forming meaningful connections with local entrepreneurs and learning about success across diverse industries. Events like these are vital: studies show that as few as four student-employer encounters significantly reduce the likelihood of young people becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) later in life.

West Hill School’s celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week highlighted just how impactful these encounters can be, giving students new perspectives and aspirations while inspiring them to aim higher and dream bigger.

The 15 inspiring entrepreneurs who participated in the events collectively represent businesses with a combined turnover of over £103 million. Their stories demonstrated the vast potential of entrepreneurship and underscored the value of hard work, resilience, and innovation.

“Delighted to have celebrated @GEWUK with 15 inspiring entrepreneurs with a combined turnover of over £103 million! #GEWmakeit @Founders4School.”

Looking to the Future

West Hill School’s students left the events with a greater understanding of the opportunities that await them and a stronger belief in their potential to achieve success. Events like these, made possible through F4S, continue to bridge the gap between education and the real world, helping students see what’s possible when they set their minds to it.

At the start of the new academic year, Brentford School for Girls was delighted to welcome five business leaders to inspire and motivate their Year 11 students. Using the F4S free service, Liz Gers, Community Coordinator and Co-Head of Year 11, identified and invited leaders of successful, growing businesses into the classroom to share their career journeys.

The Speakers and Their Stories

The school hosted an impressive line-up of business leaders:

• Elizabeth Deeming, COO of Stylus Media Group

• Dana Tobak, Founder of Hyperoptic

• Shannon Edwards, Entrepreneur

• Simon Kelly, Director at LinkedIn

• William Rowe, Founder of Protein

Each speaker shared their own unique pathway and personal experiences that led them to where they are today. The event left the leaders impressed by the ambition and potential of the students, while the students left inspired, having learned about a variety of career journeys and opportunities available to them.

The event was a resounding success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback:

“The event at Brentford School for Girls was one of the best I’ve been lucky to be a part of.”

- Shannon Edwards

“Brilliant organisation before the event, it was really great fun. If you can influence just one student to take a risk and raise their aspirations, it is really worth it.”

- Simon Kelly

“I have nothing but positive feedback - it was a great event, very well organised, both by F4S and by the staff at the school.”

- Elizabeth Deeming

The Year 11 students enjoyed hearing the different pathways taken by the speakers, gaining valuable insights into the world of work and the skills needed to succeed. The opportunity for a Q&A session at the end of the event proved particularly useful, as students had the chance to ask thoughtful questions and get tailored advice.

A Simple and Impactful Process

Liz Gers found the Founders4Schools platform easy to use, enabling her to bring inspiring role models into the classroom with minimal effort. She shared:

“It was easy to set up an event, invite business leaders, and inspire my students to raise their aspirations.”

Liz encourages other schools to explore the platform, which provides a simple way to connect students with successful business leaders who can help raise aspirations and broaden horizons.

At The Cavendish School, Philippa Shaw, Careers Coordinator, wanted her Sixth Form students to adopt a forward-thinking mindset and gain insights from successful role models. Using the F4S platform, she invited three inspiring local business leaders to speak to 50 new Sixth Form students as they began their academic year:

• John Harrison, Founder of Schoople

• Sean Redmond, Founder & CEO of Vertizan

• Robin Pickering, CEO of Cortex

The result? A hugely positive and impactful experience for both students and speakers!

A Message of Inspiration

The students were highly engaged, and the feedback reflected the value of connecting with professionals who have real-world experience.

“The event went very well, I’ve had some good feedback from the students.”

- Philippa Shaw

“The event was well attended, and the attention of the students was high. It was nice to share some of the things I’ve learnt over the years as well as discovering the odd entrepreneurial spirit among them. If they go away with just one thing, it would be that they really can achieve anything if they set their mind to it!”

- John Harrison

“It was a pleasure to talk with the Sixth Form as they embark on their new school year. These students will be entering the job market at the most exciting time for technology innovation ever. They should never doubt that a small team of people can change the world, and the choices they make now need to provide a springboard for their future.”

- Sean Redmond

Why Every School Should Get Involved

Philippa would recommend F4S to every school across the country. Connecting students with inspiring local business leaders can help them broaden their aspirations, think positively about their future, and understand the value of perseverance and innovation.