Did you know as part of our commitment to raising aspirations, FEP has funded two schools in the Forest of Dean to take part in the Young Enterprise programme!
Building on the success of our Inspiring the Forest career fair style events, we wanted to offer students something that was more tailored and that tapped into the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our community.
So the Education & Skills subgroup decided to offer all schools in the Forest of Dean funding to run a programme by Young Enterprise, a national organisation renowned for boosting confidence, knowledge, and skills through their unique school activities. Schools could choose between the Company Programme or Launch Pad, both designed to help young people explore the world of business and equip them with essential workplace skills & attitudes. Both Dean Academy and Dene Magna accepted the offer, SGS Forest High are eligible for the programmes fully funded but were supported by FEP along the way.
In July 2025 Dene Magna School and Forest High School hosted their Launch Pad sessions, a full day Dragon’s Den style interactive activity. These hands-on workshops challenged students to work in teams to create and plan their own business, from budgeting and applying for loans at the “bank,” to designing marketing campaigns and pitching ideas to a panel of judges and their peers.
Speaking to the "bankers"
Students faced real-world decisions - Where has the most affordable rents but still good footfall? Who is their target demographic, and does it exist in the Forest of Dean? How can they create a marketing plan that makes people want to buy their product?
Following the pitches, the day ended with a competition to award prizes for the best marketing strategy, best teamwork, best pitch, most innovative, and overall winner.
Most Innovative Winners at Dene Magna - The Innovators
"The energy, creativity, and confidence on display were incredible! Our Year 9s stepped out of their comfort zones and demonstrated a whole range of key employability skills that real businesses value." - April Booker, Assistant Headteacher & Careers Lead at SGS Forest High School
While the Launch Pad sessions took place in July, Dean Academy in Lydney accepted the funding to run the Company Programme, a year long session that began back in November 2024. Similar to the Launch Pad session, students got to learn the fundamentals of running a business, but this time to they actually do it. From registering on Companies House, managing a business bank account, to selling at fairs & markets, Company Programme gives students hands on experience in building a successful (or not so successful!) business. Dean Academy students chose to create and sell exam survival packs, spending time sourcing items to go in the packs, developing their brand, and strategically planning their sales approach. As the school year comes to a close the students have also been wrapping up the business, officially winding down on Companies House, reviewing their finances, and reflecting on how far they’ve come. This was a fantastic way for students to dip a toe into the world of business, learning to take ownership and lead on their own project, while building essential workplace skills.
The project was made even more special thanks to the support of local volunteers. Businesses and individuals gave their time to mentor and encourage students, and it was inspiring to see how enthusiastically the students engaged with them. In particular, Paul Williamson from Visit Dean Wye ran multiple sessions sharing his expert insight from a career in marketing to help students develop their own branding and USP's.
Paul at Dean Academy's marketing session
We’re also excited to announce that the Forest of Dean District Council have agreed to provide FEP funding to run the Young Enterprise programme again for the 2025/26 school year. This programme has proven to be such a valuable experience for young people across the district, and we’re thrilled that its impact has been recognised and supported by FoDDC.
Starting this September, funding will be available to all schools in the Forest of Dean. If you work in a school and want to make sure your students don’t miss out, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch with us on FEP@fdean.gov.uk to find out more.
Best Overall and Best Marketing Winners at Dene Magna - Groovy Smoothies!