co-curricular

Young Enterprise Scheme

Contact: Mrs M W Field

Young Enterprise is a national educational charity that encourages school students to explore the world of business by 'learning through experience' by forming their own companies.
The main aim of Young Enterprise is to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise, educating them to understand and value the role of business in improving the competitiveness of the UK . Through practical business projects, young people have the opportunity to gain skills for personal success, lifelong learning and employability, by learning how business works.
At Hampton School, the scheme is open to all lower-sixth students. Over the course of the academic year, each company will complete a number of activities, including:

  • Electing a board of Directors from amongst their peers
  • Raising share capital
  • Marketing and financing a product or service of their choice.

At the end of the year each company produces a report and set of accounts and presents them to their shareholders. Each company is supported by external business advisors, who offer advice and encouragement during weekly company meetings.
This has been another successful year for Young Enterprise at Hampton.  After several groups of students pitched their ideas, two companies were formed:

  • Teknisk designed two innovative products, the bag-a-bag and the tilt lamp, and later the very successful Hampton Scarf.

  • Avant developed the popular disc-o-clock, made from recycled vinyl records.  Their product can be seen at http://www.avant.elementfx.com/

Both companies sold successfully at events both inside and outside school.

Above: Teknisk at the Trade Fair in Eden Walk, Kingston

Above: Avant at the Hampton Head


On April 26th the companies presented to a panel of judges at the Richmond Hill Hotel, competing against 16 other companies from schools in the Richmond and Kingston area.  Both our companies were selected to be amongst just 8 companies presenting at the Richmond & Kingston area final, which was held at Kingston Grammar School.

Congratulations to all the students who took part, and many thanks to the advisors for their time and support.  Anyone with business experience who would be interested in becoming an advisor is invited to contact me for more information.

CHR May 2009