Secondary Education
We work with Island secondary school and college students around the delivery of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, bringing students some unique opportunities to learn and develop their business and personal skills.
What is the Company Programme?
Students in secondary education from across the Island take part in a competition to launch and the trade as a genuine business for the academic year – so starting in the Autumn term and finishing in the Spring term.
Our comprehensive programme each academic year starts with a themed workshop in October around team structure, marketing, production and finance, making sure that our competing teams get off to a flying start.We follow on with 2 Dragon Dens (in the Autumn & Spring terms) where the teams can gain cash investment through pitching and justifying their business idea to our team of Dragons, who are members of leading Island businesses.
We also create retail trading opportunities, notably at Quarr Abbey Christmas Fayre, where teams are able to promote and sell their actual designed and manufactured products to the general public.
Everything leads up to an Isle of Wight Grand Final in March. In the Grand Final, teams will display their products on a trade stand, marketing to members of the local business community before delivering a presentation on their business journey.
Making an impact
Since 2018, Ed-WISE has worked with 11 Island schools: Ryde School, Ryde Academy, Carisbrooke College, Medina College, Island Free School, Christ The King College, Island 6th Form, Isle of Wight College, St Catherine’s School, St George’s School, The Bay CE School.
Ed-WISE has recently engaged with participating students to understand the impact of the Company Programme on their skills and confidence.
Programme outcomes for students 25/26
- All students surveyed said that had more confidence in applying they skills learning in the workplace.
- >80% of students had a better understanding of local businesses in the community
- 68% of students said they would recommend Young Enterprise Company Programme to other students.
Award Winning Teams
The top 3 Island finalists go forward to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Final to compete with mainland schools, and then if successful can progress through the competition stages to reach the National Finals.
In 2024, 2025 and 2026, the Isle of Wight had teams that progressed to the National Final, beating over 600 other teams each year along the way.
2024 – Wild Wax Melts, from Carisbrooke College and Medina College, Newport
Business advisor support
Each team is supported by a business advisor, who supports the team in their decision making processes, helping them to navigate through all the expected challenges involved with starting and running a business.
Many business advisors so enjoy the programme, that they work with the same school year after year.
As an example, St Catherine’s College is supported by Rebecca Wheeler from Wheeler & Lai Chartered Surveyors, who has acted as business advisor for different school teams in recent years.
Become a Business Advisor
Learn the role
Learn more about the valued role of being a Business Advisor within the Company Programme, helping students in your school or college to make the most of the Company Programme opportunity.
• Business Advisor Role Guide (PDF)
Become an Educator
Learn the role
Learn more about the valued role of being an Educator within the Company Programme, and help to inspire local students to make the most of the Company Programme opportunity.
• Educator Role (PDF)
Presenting and selling
We look to create opportunities for teams to present and sell their products and services to the general public, through various retail events.
Contact us
If you would like to know more about any of the activities that Ed-WISE are involved in, simply fill in the contact form below or contact our CEO, David Thornton, directly on 07726 342220.