Belmont, Mill Hill Prep, chosen for Young Entrepreneurs Academy Pilot

Originally published by Belmont, Mill Hill Prep

Belmont, Mill Hill Prep, announced as one of the first schools in the UK to be selected on a pilot scheme from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, through which students will gain immediate access to a 20-episode ‘Basics of Business’ course, written and created to develop latent entrepreneurial talent in 10-16 year olds.   

The 20-episode course, written and produced by the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) and supported by UCL – School of Management, was initially introduced as an extra-curricular club at Belmont in January 2025, but from September 2025, it will be incorporated into the school's Future Skills programme.

This partnership marks an exciting milestone in Belmont's commitment to equipping students with the skills that they need to succeed in the future. By collaborating with YEA, Belmont is ensuring that its pupils gain early exposure to essential business concepts, problem-solving techniques, and entrepreneurial thinking. The programme aligns with the school’s vision of fostering innovation and creativity, providing pupils with the tools to develop financial independence and business acumen.

“The Young Entrepreneurs Academy’s Basics of Business: Beginner to Boss series is an outstanding programme that equips young people with essential life skills alongside strong exam results. I am proud that we are one of the first schools to have implemented this programme. In today’s rapidly changing world, qualities such as curiosity, analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience are more important than ever, and at Belmont, we believe these are essential skills to instil in our pupils. What impressed me about this programme is that it not only fosters these key skills, but it has also really engaged and excited our pupils. I am honoured to join their Advisory Board and look forward to supporting this valuable initiative.” Susannah Abbott, Head at Belmont, Mill Hill Prep.

As one of the pioneering schools in this initiative, Belmont is setting an example for integrating real-world entrepreneurial education within the curriculum and its pupils are really enjoying it.

“I have found the programme entertaining and have learnt lots of valuable information about business and skills needed to set up and run my own business. I have particularly enjoyed the end of topic quizzes, meeting resident entrepreneurs and learning about their journeys” Yunus, Year 8 Belmont, Mill Hill Prep Pupil.

"We have really enjoyed the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and it has been a great opportunity to learn about business skills. We are excited to gain a certificate from UCL to put on our CVs and also use our knowledge to, one day, set up our own business." Lily and Sadie, Year 8 Belmont, Mill Hill Prep Pupils.

 “The Young Entrepreneurs Academy has been a huge success with our pupils, igniting their passion, creativity and confidence in business. With the workplace evolving rapidly, entrepreneurial skills are becoming even more essential for future generations. Many young people will shape their own financial futures by starting businesses, and YEA gives them the tools to do just that. The content is relevant, engaging and makes learning exciting and accessible in an age-appropriate way. Earning a prestigious UCL School of Management-accredited certificate at the end of the programme is a fantastic opportunity and achievement for our pupils and something they can put on their CVs and personal statements in the future. As a teacher, the content is well structured and easy to follow with all modules including catchy videos, quizzes and various activity options for the pupils - it is all planned out and super easy to deliver. We’re thrilled to bring YEA into our Future Skills curriculum next year, empowering even more students with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.” Georgia Chrisostomou – Head of Future Skills.

Paul Herman, Chair & Founder of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, explains: “Our vision for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy is based on delivering entrepreneurial education into diverse communities where the need for such skills is arguably greatest. Having said that, we also work with private schools who are focused on a curriculum of tomorrow. Business skills will be an absolute must for future generations and there is empirical data which we are all aware of which predicts seismic changes in the future workplace. Whilst ‘jobs’ will likely still exist in 20 years, it is unchallenged that an increasing proportion of the young population will address their financial needs by starting their own business.

Our vision is big and we have been blessed with the most incredible reception since we went ‘live’ in January, after much work behind the scenes. In advance of our formal launch in September 2025, we have selected a handful of schools to ‘pilot’ the series and provide feedback and support as we roll out. Belmont, I am delighted to say, immediately jumped at the chance of being on the pilot and secured a place not just because I happen to be a Belmont parent, but because of their strong focus on the design of a particularly forward-looking curriculum which is equipping their students for the future. Our pilot scheme remains open, and we’re inviting schools and young people to join and experience the programme for free! Not only is this a fantastic chance to gain an introduction to entrepreneurship, it is also a great way to enhance a personal statement by receiving a prestigious certificate of completion from one of the leading universities in the world, UCL.”

“At the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, we believe every young person deserves the chance to develop the skills, confidence and mindset to shape their own future. Belmont’s commitment to forward-thinking education makes them the perfect partner, and it’s been inspiring to see how Susannah and Georgia have engaged their pupils with the programme. This is exactly what YEA was built for – empowering the next generation with tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.” Lauren Smithie, CEO, Young Entrepreneurs Academy

About Belmont, Mill Hill Prep

Belmont, Mill Hill Prep is a leading co-educational prep school for pupils aged 7 to 13. Nestled within 40 acres of beautiful school grounds in Mill Hill, on the edge of the North London Green Belt and just 10 miles from Central London. Belmont is a warm and caring Prep School which believes that the children’s happiness and wellbeing are integral to a fulfilling education.

It’s School Values of Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You, are fully embedded into school life. With small class sizes and an extensive co-curricular programme pupils achieve high academic standards. Belmont is dedicated to providing a forward-thinking education that equips pupils with the skills and knowledge needed for the future.

About Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) is a not-for-profit, impact venture, dedicated to equipping young people with real-world entrepreneurial skills. Our online platform delivers engaging, video-based learning designed for 10 to 16-year-olds, giving them a glimpse into the world of business, and providing them with real-life tools to explore starting a business of their own.

Our flagship programme, Basics of Business: Beginner to Boss, is a 20-episode interactive learning series packed with practical business insights, entrepreneur interviews, and essential resources. It is followed by other series on the drawing board including ‘How to Build a TikTok Creator Business’ and ‘How to Build an Online Retail Business’, in collaboration with the British Retail Consortium.

Whilst the course is typically delivered in the classroom as part of curriculum learning, during registration period or as an extra-curricular activity, students can also gain direct access and log on themselves from home. Upon completion, students receive a UCL-accredited certificate, with the opportunity to pitch their ideas for the chance to win a £2,000 investment.

The YEA platform is free for all schools and pupils and they are keen to work with as many young individuals as possible – particularly those from backgrounds that traditionally lack access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities - interested in entrepreneurship, championing diversity and levelling up society along the way.