From the Classroom to Future Careers: How Urban Mission School Lewisham is Inspiring Entrepreneurial Thinking

When Urban Mission School Lewisham introduced the Young Entrepreneurs Academy's Basics of Business: Beginner to Boss programme, many students had never considered business or entrepreneurship as a future pathway. However, teachers quickly noticed a significant shift in both mindset and confidence.

Linda Ughere, who led the programme within the school, shared that students are now much more aware of the opportunities available to them and feel more confident exploring future career options. The programme's real-world case studies and practical business activities have helped students connect classroom learning with life beyond school, with some even beginning to consider hands-on pathways such as apprenticeships.

Students have particularly enjoyed developing their own business ideas and tackling real entrepreneurial challenges. Through their projects, they have had to think critically about areas such as marketing, customer needs, pricing, and logistics, helping them develop valuable problem-solving skills and a greater understanding of how businesses operate in the real world.

The impact has been reflected in the students' own feedback:

"Finally, a class I really like." - Year 9 Student

"I love that we can put our own business plans together and learn all the different things about business." - Year 10 Student

"I like the fact we get a certificate afterwards as I can add it to my college application and the course is really interesting." - Year 11 Student

Linda also highlighted how engaging the content has been for students who sometimes struggle to remain focused in more traditional lessons."The content has been great, in-depth and engaging, especially for the students we have who struggle to stay on task. These units have really allowed them to participate."

The experience at Urban Mission School demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship education to broaden horizons, build confidence, and equip young people with practical skills for the future.

We look forward to seeing where their students' ideas and ambitions take them next!