West Hill School Inspires Year 8 Students During Global Entrepreneurship Week

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.