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.

At Central Foundation Boys’ School, Oliver Beach, a passionate educator, has been transforming how students view their futures by connecting them with real-life role models through impactful events. Using the F4S platform, he has created inspiring opportunities that broaden students’ horizons and help them make more informed decisions about their careers and education.

The First Step: Finding F4S

Oliver first heard about F4S through a mentor during his TeachFirst internship. After exploring the F4S platform, he booked his first event with one goal in mind:

“I wanted to create an impactful event that grabbed attention.”

For Oliver, the importance of role models cannot be overstated. He wanted to expose his students to professionals from various sectors, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

The Impact of Role Models: Stories That Resonate

The events have been a game-changer for both Oliver and his students. Role models like Alicia Navarro, CEO and Founder of Skimlinks, and Dan Quine, CTO of Songkick, have inspired students with their personal stories of perseverance, humility, and success.

Alicia Navarro’s story, shared at the first event, particularly struck a chord:

“She really inspired the children as she had a lot of experience trying things out and moving on to different things. The students could relate to her sense of perseverance and learning from setbacks.”

This message resonated far beyond the event, with students referencing her story in their business studies lessons, linking her experiences to what they were learning in the classroom.

At a second event, Dan Quine’s humility and achievements amazed students. Dan, who has worked closely with Apple’s Steve Jobs and Google’s founders, had a relatable and “you-can-do-this” attitude that instilled confidence:

“He inspired students by raising their aspirations and encouraging them to believe that ‘they can’ if they put their mind to it.”

Making It Easy for Teachers

When asked about the process of creating an event using the F4S platform, Oliver said:

“It was a piece of cake! I really like being able to browse and choose the business founders I think are best for my students. The system is simple to use and keeps me informed when my invites have been accepted.”

This ease of use means teachers can focus on their students’ needs while bringing top-quality speakers into the classroom without added workload.

Changing Perspectives and Raising Aspirations

The events have had a profound impact on how students view their futures. For many, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, hearing from successful professionals who share similar experiences has been incredibly motivating:

“Some of my students have really related to speakers who come from similar backgrounds. They see firsthand how hard work and determination can lead to success.”

The exposure to different sectors and careers also helps students make better-informed decisions about their GCSE and A-Level choices. By expanding their view of what’s possible, they develop confidence and ambition for the future.

Why Other Teachers Should Try F4S

Oliver encourages other teachers and schools to take advantage of the F4S platform:

“It is a great programme that has a big impact on the students, and lightens the teacher workload a little.”

With access to inspiring professionals, easy-to-organise events, and tangible benefits for students, F4S is helping educators across the UK prepare their students for the world of work.

Looking Ahead

Since that first event, Oliver has continued to organise one event per term, making sure his students regularly connect with role models who inspire and inform them about the possibilities ahead.

At F4S, we’re proud to support teachers like Oliver in creating impactful experiences that spark ambition and inspire the next generation.

"You can't be what you can't see—Right?"

Nothing inspires us more than hearing from the beneficiaries of the programmes we run. Meet Ivy Trudy Muthoni, a University Ambassador for F4S who recently secured an internship at a fintech—a shining example of perseverance, growth, and giving back.

Ivy’s Journey: From Data Analyst to Ambassador

With over two years of experience as a Data Analyst at a Kenyan startup delivering clean, affordable cooking gas to low-income families, Ivy developed a strong passion for problem-solving and using data to drive impactful decisions. Her love for mathematics, which she applies daily in her studies and career, became a cornerstone of her journey.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As a University Ambassador for F4S, Ivy quickly became a force of inspiration. In just four months, she:

• Participated in seven virtual assemblies,
• Mentored countless students, and
• Recruited numerous classmates to join her in volunteering.

Through her efforts, Ivy sparked curiosity and ambition in the next generation, showing students what is possible when someone’s story inspires you to dream big. Her belief in the power of visibility—“You can’t be what you can’t see”—drove her to share her journey.

A Bright Future Ahead

Ivy’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Her active involvement with F4S earned her an internship at OakNorth Bank, where she gained experience across several departments, further enhancing her skills and career prospects.

Today, Ivy has just completed her Master's degree and dreams of founding her own company—a vision rooted in her desire to create meaningful change.

Ivy’s Words of Inspiration

Ivy reflected on her experience with F4S, sharing:

“I wanted to become a university ambassador for F4S because I thought that you can’t be what you can’t see. And so, being an ambassador gave me the perspective that my story would inspire students who come from a disadvantaged background to want to come to university and pursue a degree—either a bachelor’s or master’s in STEM.

I think it’s important for secondary school students to be able to listen to stories from university students because they’re able to appreciate the background they come from and the hardships that they faced and just to see that it’s not impossible to get to where they want to be.”

The Power of Giving Back

Ivy’s story highlights the mutual benefits of volunteering. By giving her time and energy to inspire students, Ivy not only impacted their lives but also unlocked incredible opportunities for her own growth and future.

Superpower is revolutionising growth for businesses and individuals alike, with faster recruitment, personalised job matching, and skill development for 40,000 users, growing at an impressive 40% year-on-year.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Members like Noshin Begum are perfect examples of how Superpower is changing lives. Noshin, a talented Goldsmiths University alum, has built her skills and advanced her career by securing higher-paying roles. Recruiters like Katy benefit too, filling positions ten times faster by connecting with skilled workers like Noshin.

Noshin’s inspiring story was recently highlighted in the F4S annual report, showcasing just how impactful these opportunities can be. During her studies, Noshin completed an incredible 8 internships with scaleup companies—a testament to her ambition and drive. Her career path took her from her first internship in August 2020 at The Barber Shop to roles such as:

• PoC Developer at Octopus Energy
• Software Engineer at Alpidata
• UX Designer at Sticks Research Agency
• UX Designer at R3 and more…

Each role built her experience, skills, and confidence—unlocking opportunities that propelled her career forward.

Empowering Careers and Businesses

Superpower continues to bridge the gap between skilled candidates and businesses, helping members like Noshin thrive while supporting recruiters in finding the talent they need, faster.

In November to celebrate Maths Week England, F4S was proud to host an inspiring in-person event at Lloyd’s of London for 80 girls from London Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Designed to motivate and empower young women, the event showcased the real-world applications of mathematics in careers across technology, the environment, life sciences, and sustainability—both at Lloyd’s and within leading tech companies.

An Unforgettable Day at Lloyd’s

The day was packed with engaging talks, interactive mentoring sessions, and an exclusive guided tour of the iconic Lloyd’s building. This unique experience gave students the chance to connect directly with accomplished women working in industries where maths plays a crucial role. These meaningful conversations sparked curiosity, inspiration, and a newfound enthusiasm for mathematics and its diverse applications.

Powerful Stories From Female Leaders

Two powerful stories resonated deeply with attendees:

Steph Budenberg from Baringa shared her inspiring journey. At 12, Steph didn’t have a set career plan but felt passionate about the plane and astronomy. This passion led her to study Engineering, where she discovered her love for problem-solving and teamwork—skills she also honed through sports. Today, Steph is an energy consultant working on impactful and diverse projects that help shape a sustainable future.

Elise Stempfer from Lloyd’s offered another perspective. Elise started her journey studying Law, not expecting to end up in insurance. However, a chance meeting with a broker inspired her to explore marine insurance. Elise highlighted how mathematics plays a central role in her day-to-day work, alongside key skills like communication, curiosity, debate, and initiative.

Both speakers emphasised an important message: while mathematics is a powerful tool, success in these careers relies on a mix of technical skills and essential qualities like adaptability, teamwork, and curiosity.

Key Takeaways for Students

The event offered valuable insights and advice for the students:

• Embrace AI: AI should be seen as a tool that enhances, not replaces, human capabilities.
• You don’t need to be a maths expert: Success in STEM-related careers is about a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
• Career journeys are rarely linear: It’s okay not to have all the answers early on. Stay open to change, explore new opportunities, and follow your passions.

Looking Ahead: Connecting Schools with Mentors

The success of this event highlights the importance of mentorship and real-world role models in helping students discover their potential and explore career pathways they may never have considered.

If you’d like your school to connect students with mentors who can share insights into AI, problem-solving, and diverse career opportunities, click here.

Let’s inspire the next generation to embrace mathematics, explore new possibilities, and create a future full of innovation and opportunity!

For the second consecutive year, our programme has made remarkable progress in inspiring and empowering students across the UK to explore careers in cybersecurity, intelligence, and STEM fields.

During Maths Week England and Scottish Careers Week, the GCHQ Virtual Assembly-Unlocking the Power of Maths provided students aged 11-16 with a unique opportunity to connect with professionals who work to safeguard the nation.

A standout moment was the hugely successful GCHQ Virtual Assembly, where over 2,500 students from 100+ schools joined us for an exclusive insight into the fascinating and vital work carried out at GCHQ. This was a staggering increase from the previous year’s turnout of 60 schools. 

Students heard firsthand from three incredible GCHQ professionals, who shared:

• Their career journeys – from their own school days to solving real-world problems at GCHQ.
• How subjects like maths, physics, and problem-solving led to impactful careers.
• Insights into the flexibility, variety, and inclusivity of careers at GCHQ, which accommodate diverse talents, including neurodiverse individuals and those seeking work-life balance.

Key takeaways included the reassurance that while maths is valuable, it’s not essential for every role, broadening opportunities for students with a variety of skills and interests.

One speaker perfectly captured the essence: “It’s incredible to work on puzzles that make a difference, and every day brings new challenges.”

Diverse Opportunities for All

The event also spotlighted exciting programmes such as the CyberFirst Girls Competition for Years 8 and 9, encouraging more girls to explore careers in cybersecurity. For younger learners, tools like Numberblocks and coding games were highlighted as engaging ways to develop maths and analytical skills early on.

The 2024 GCHQ Christmas Challenge brought festive fun with seven puzzles testing codebreaking, maths, and creative thinking. Families, friends, and classrooms collaborated to solve the main challenge and uncover hidden bonus elements. Participants shared progress using #GCHQChristmasChallenge, with hints on Instagram @GCHQ, making it a seasonal hit that inspired teamwork and creativity! 

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

The overwhelming enthusiasm from teachers and students demonstrated the impact of events like this. Teachers noted how the assembly helped bring classroom subjects to life, sparking career conversations that could shape students’ futures.

Looking ahead, we aim to:

• Expand our outreach to engage more schools in areas of deprivation.
• Develop follow-up activities and mentorship programmes to maintain momentum.
• Prepare for more events showcasing real-world applications of STEM learning.

If you missed this year’s amazing event, don’t worry! Watch the recap here and sign up to our organiser platform to stay updated and ensure you’re part of the next exciting opportunity. 🌟 Don’t miss out!

Together, We Inspire Future Innovators

Our mission remains clear: to empower young minds with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to pursue careers they may never have considered. Events like the GCHQ Virtual Assembly demonstrate that with the right connections, a world of possibilities opens up for every student.

Thank you to our inspiring GCHQ speakers, moderators, and the incredible teachers and students who made this event such a success.

Stay connected for more opportunities to engage, inspire, and empower the next generation of problem-solvers!

The Gatsby Benchmarks are widely recognised as the gold standard for careers education. Since their introduction, over 90% of schools and colleges across the UK have adopted these benchmarks, making impressive strides in helping young people explore career pathways, build essential skills, and fulfill their potential. In fact, progress since 2018 has nearly tripled, underscoring the benchmarks as a reliable foundation for embedding careers guidance into education.

However, as the world of work evolves due to advancements in technology, changes in education, and shifting labour market demands, the Gatsby Benchmarks have been updated to ensure they remain relevant for the next decade. These enhancements are designed to sharpen their focus and continue driving meaningful progress.

What’s New? Five Key Themes

While the original eight benchmarks and their titles remain unchanged, the updates introduce five key themes to enhance their relevance and impact:

1. Careers at the Heart of Education and Leadership

The updates highlight the unique roles of key stakeholders such as school leaders, governors, and careers leaders. There’s also a renewed focus on ensuring every subject teacher embeds careers education into their curriculum, creating a whole-school approach where careers guidance becomes an integral part of learning.

2. Inclusion and Impact for Every Young Person

The benchmarks now emphasise the importance of tailoring programmes to meet the individual needs of each young person. These changes reflect the growing awareness that inclusivity—ensuring every student, regardless of background or ability, receives tailored support—leads to better outcomes for all.

3. Meaningful and Varied Encounters and Experiences

Providing young people with authentic encounters with employers, workplaces, and further education remains at the heart of the Gatsby Benchmarks. The updates clarify what makes an encounter truly meaningful:

• It must have a clear purpose shared with the young person and employer.
• It should be underpinned by learning outcomes that align with the young person’s goals.
• There must be opportunities for two-way interaction between students and professionals.
• Students need time to reflect on the insights and skills gained from the experience.

By refining this definition, the Gatsby Benchmarks ensure that encounters are impactful and help students make informed decisions about their futures.

4. Focusing on the Use of Information and Data

In a world where information is abundant, it’s essential that young people can access inclusive, reliable information about career pathways. The updated benchmarks emphasise equipping students—and their parents or carers—with tools to interpret and use this information effectively to make decisions that suit their aspirations and abilities.

5. Engagement of Parents and Carers

Recognising the crucial role of families in supporting young people’s career choices, the updates strengthen the relationship between careers programmes and parents/carers. Schools are encouraged to involve parents in planning and ensure that clear, timely information about careers guidance is shared with them.

Why These Updates Matter?

The Gatsby Benchmarks have already transformed careers education in schools and colleges, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in the modern workforce. By refining their focus, these updates will help prepare young people for an ever-changing world, ensure inclusivity, and support schools in fostering a careers-rich environment where every student can thrive.

For educators, parents, and employers alike, these updates mark a significant step forward in ensuring careers education keeps pace with the world of work—offering young people the best possible foundation for their future.

To read the full report here.

Endorsed by the Careers & Enterprise Company, career leads & teachers use F4S to schedule speakers we recommend & train to speak to their students, broadening the student’s career horizons.

Mathematics is a cornerstone of modern education, critical for individual success and the growth of entire economies. Yet, gender disparities in maths achievement persist, often beginning in primary school. Research highlights that many girls make decisions about their abilities in maths at an early age, decisions shaped by confidence, stereotypes, and societal expectations. These decisions have lasting impacts, influencing academic paths and career opportunities. To address this, targeted intervention programmes for girls in primary schools are essential.

Addressing the Maths Performance Gap

At the age of 11, boys in the UK outperform girls in maths by four percentage points at the expected standard and eight percentage points at the higher standard. Importantly, this gap isn’t due to biological differences but is linked to external factors like confidence and attitudes. The underperformance of girls in maths represents a significant loss of potential talent, which not only limits personal opportunities but also reduces national productivity and economic growth.

Research by the OECD suggests that improving girls’ attitudes toward maths could significantly boost overall school performance. Girls who expressed confidence in their mathematical ability performed better than boys with similar attitudes, underscoring the importance of fostering positive beliefs about maths early on.

Building Mathematical Confidence Early

Confidence in maths starts forming in primary school, often shaped by societal stereotypes and personal experiences. Unfortunately, many girls lack this confidence, which negatively affects their performance. Without intervention, this self-doubt can discourage girls from pursuing maths-related subjects and careers.

A striking finding from the OECD report revealed that while boys generally outperformed girls in maths tests, the gap reversed when confidence was taken into account. Girls who believed they were good at maths outperformed boys with the same mindset. This demonstrates that the key barrier for many girls isn’t ability but self-belief.

Overcoming Gendered Stereotypes

From a young age, girls are exposed to stereotypes suggesting that maths is a male-dominated field. These cultural biases often discourage them from engaging fully with the subject. Alun Jones, head of the Girls’ School Association, pointed out that these stereotypes are deeply entrenched, shaped by centuries of bias. While educational institutions alone can’t eradicate this cultural conditioning, targeted efforts can minimise its impact and boost girls’ confidence in maths.

Intervention programs play a critical role in countering stereotypes. By providing positive reinforcement, showcasing role models, and offering tailored support, these programs help girls see themselves as capable mathematicians.

Creating Equal Opportunities and Shaping Futures

When girls are supported in maths, they’re more likely to excel and pursue further studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. This creates a more balanced gender representation in industries such as engineering, technology, and data science.

Furthermore, the decisions girls make about maths in primary school often shape their future educational and career choices. Building a positive association with maths early on not only empowers them academically but also expands their career options, breaking down barriers to success.

The Way Forward

The gender gap in maths education isn’t just an issue of fairness; it’s a challenge with profound social and economic implications. Introducing intervention programs in primary schools can help build confidence, dismantle stereotypes, and set girls on a path to long-term success in maths and beyond. By prioritising these efforts, we can unlock the potential of a generation and foster a more equitable and innovative future.

The case for action is clear: the time to inspire and empower young girls in maths is now. Let’s give them the tools they need to dream big and achieve even bigger.