Future Entrepreneur at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

Course Description: Future Entrepreneur at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

The Future Entrepreneur Programme is a practical and inspiring summer course designed for students aged 11–16 who want to explore how business ideas are created, developed, and brought to life. Set on the Canford campus, the programme introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through hands-on projects, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving.

Rather than learning business concepts in isolation, students are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs from day one. They explore how to recognise opportunities, understand customer needs, and transform creative ideas into workable plans. Through collaboration and experimentation, students gain an early understanding of what it takes to innovate, lead, and adapt in a fast-changing world.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Students receive 15 hours of subject-specific academic instruction per week, delivered through interactive workshops, business challenges, case studies, and simulations led by experienced subject tutors.

Learning is active, collaborative, and highly practical. Students are encouraged to:

• Identify problems and design creative solutions

• Think critically about markets, customers, and value

• Work collaboratively in small entrepreneurial teams

• Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively

• Build confidence through experimentation and feedback

English is used consistently throughout the programme to support discussion, teamwork, and presentation.

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Core Academic Content

Foundations of Entrepreneurship

Students explore how businesses begin by learning to:

• Recognise needs and opportunities

• Understand how ideas become products or services

• Identify value and impact

• Explore why some solutions succeed while others fail

This foundation helps students understand the mindset behind successful entrepreneurship.

Business Planning & Strategy

Through structured challenges, students gain experience in:

• Planning and decision-making

• Managing limited resources

• Setting goals and priorities

• Responding to real-world constraints

Simple business frameworks help students organise ideas and move from concept to proposal.

Markets, Money & Customers

Students are introduced to the basics of markets and finance, including:

• Understanding customers and demand

• Pricing and cost awareness

• Resource allocation

• Analysing trends and making informed decisions

These sessions build confidence in business thinking without requiring technical knowledge.

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Subject Theme: The Future City

A central feature of the programme is The Future City 2050 Festival, a cross-disciplinary project that runs alongside academic learning.

Students imagine a city of the future and design innovative products or services that improve daily life within it. Ideas may focus on housing, transport, health, communication, or sustainability. Each subject contributes to the shared vision, and entrepreneurial ideas are developed alongside designs, models, and creative projects.

The week culminates in a festival-style showcase where exhibits are unveiled, ideas are pitched, and students present their work to the wider community, creating the feeling of stepping into a city imagined collectively.

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Programme Framework: From Idea to Pitch

Entrepreneurial projects follow a clear and accessible framework:

• Identifying a real-world problem

• Designing a practical solution

• Considering users, delivery, and impact

• Preparing a clear and persuasive pitch

Students learn how start-ups communicate ideas to potential investors and stakeholders.

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Time to Shine: Pitching & Public Speaking

Every student takes part in Time to Shine, a structured public-speaking project designed to build confidence and clarity.

Week One: Students develop a product or service that improves daily life in the city of 2050. They explain why the idea matters, how it works, and who would benefit, practising clear explanation and teamwork.

Week Two: Students design a transport-related innovation for the future city, such as new ways to move people or goods efficiently and sustainably. They present their idea as a start-up pitch, persuading the audience of its value.

During the Future City Festival showcase, students pitch their ideas on stage, often supported by prototypes, posters, or visual displays.

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Fieldwork & Real-World Observation

Students step outside the classroom to observe real patterns of behaviour and need. Activities may include:

• Surveying peers about daily routines

• Observing how spaces are used across campus

• Mapping movement during busy periods

These observations help students design realistic and relevant business ideas.

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Academic Difficulty & Support

The programme is open to students of all experience levels. No prior business knowledge is required.

• Projects are designed to be challenging but manageable

• Emphasis is placed on creativity and communication rather than technical expertise

• Tutors guide students through testing ideas, refining prototypes, and improving pitches

Every student is supported to progress with confidence.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about business, innovation, and problem-solving

• Enjoy hands-on, creative learning

• Want to build confidence presenting ideas

• Are exploring entrepreneurship for the first time

Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.

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Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A clear understanding of how business ideas are developed

• Experience planning and pitching entrepreneurial solutions

• Improved teamwork and problem-solving skills

• Greater confidence speaking in public

• A strong foundation for future study in business, economics, or entrepreneurship

Canford Summer School 🌿�*

Canford Summer School takes place at the prestigious Canford School, located near Bournemouth and set within 250 acres of beautiful parkland. This award-winning campus provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Designed for students aged 11–16, the programme combines structured learning with high-energy activities, outdoor adventure, and creative experiences — all within a welcoming boarding school community.

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Accommodation & Meals 🛏️�*

Students live in purpose-built boarding houses, with boys and girls accommodated separately. The boarding houses are modern, comfortable, and well maintained, creating a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment.

Accommodation Features

• Single, twin, or small dorm rooms

• Shared bathroom facilities

• Spacious common rooms for relaxation and socialising

• Desks and wardrobes in all bedrooms

• Dedicated House Parents and residential staff on site

Living in boarding houses helps students build strong friendships and feel part of a close-knit community that often lasts well beyond the summer.

Meals are served in the dining hall, offering a varied menu of British and international cuisine. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated when requested in advance.

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Campus Facilities 🏀🎭🏊‍♂️

Students enjoy access to excellent facilities across the Canford campus, including:

• Classrooms and lecture spaces

• Modern and traditional dining halls 🍽️

• Sports hall, gym, and all-weather pitch ⚽

• Swimming pool and tennis courts 🎾

• Art studio and theatre 🎨🎭

• Student common rooms and outdoor spaces

• Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi

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Our Academic Approach 📚✨

Learning at Canford Summer School is active, engaging, and hands-on. Students learn by doing — through projects, challenges, games, and collaboration — rather than traditional note-taking.

Key skills developed include:

• Critical thinking

• Communication

• Leadership

• Teamwork

• Confidence and independence

Students are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and solve problems together, all with the guidance and support of experienced teachers.

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Time to Shine 🌟🗣️

Each week, students take part in Time to Shine, a group presentation where they share what they’ve learned with their peers.

This highlights:

• Public speaking skills

• Team collaboration

• Confidence building

• Working towards a shared goal

Time to Shine is often a highlight of the week and gives students a real sense of achievement.

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Excursions & Experiences 🚌🌊�*

Over two weeks, students enjoy a variety of cultural, coastal, and recreational excursions, all fully supervised by staff and carefully planned to maximise enjoyment.

Sample Excursions

• London 🇬�* – Iconic landmarks, museums, shopping, and sightseeing

• Adventures Day �* – Outdoor challenges focused on teamwork and confidence

• Splashdown Water Park �* – A fun day of water slides and attractions

Canford’s south-coast location also allows for beach outings and coastal exploration, adding variety and excitement to the programme.

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Sports Academies (Optional Extras) ⚽🎾🏄‍♂️

Students can choose to add a Sports Academy, offering additional coaching from experienced instructors. Each academy runs over two days per week, with three-hour sessions.

Available Academies

• Land & Wave Academy 🌊 Outdoor water and coastal activities £250 per week

• Tennis Academy 🎾 Technique, match play, and fitness £295 per week

• Football Academy ⚽ Skills, tactics, and confidence building £195 per week

• Horse Riding Academy 🐎 Riding skills, balance, and horse care £395 per week

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*� A Day in the Life at Canford Summer School

Every day at Canford is carefully structured to balance learning, activities, and unforgettable experiences — including excursions, beach trips, and adventure days.

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*� On-Campus Day at Canford

*� Morning Routine & Breakfast (07:15–09:00)

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ Students get ready in their boarding houses with support from House Parents.

08:20–09:00 – Breakfast 🍳 A healthy breakfast in the dining hall with friends and housemates.

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*� Morning Learning & Projects (09:00–12:30)

09:00–10:30 – Interactive Lesson ✏️ Project-based learning focused on communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

10:30–11:00 – Morning Break ☕

11:00–12:30 – Time to Shine Project Work 🌟 Group collaboration, creative thinking, and presentation preparation.

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*�️ Lunch (12:30–13:30)

12:30–13:30 – Lunch 🥗 Students refuel and relax before the afternoon programme.

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*� Afternoon Activities (13:30–17:00)

Sports, Creative & Enrichment Activities ⚽🎭 Including swimming, tennis, arts, team games, STEM challenges, and optional Sports Academies.

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*� Free Time & House Time (17:00–18:30)

Supervised downtime in boarding houses — time to rest, shower, chat, or play games.

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*�️ Dinner & Evening Programme (18:30–21:00)

Dinner followed by evening social activities such as talent shows, themed events, discos, or outdoor games 🎉

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*� Excursion Day at Canford

Excursion days replace the usual afternoon programme and offer full-day off-campus experiences, fully supervised by staff.

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*� Morning & Departure

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ 08:00 – Breakfast 🍳 09:00 – Coach Departure 🚌

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*� Full-Day Excursion Experiences

Students enjoy one of the programme’s signature excursions, such as:

• London 🏙️ Iconic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, and cultural exploration

• Adventure Day 🌿 Outdoor challenges and team-building activities

• Splashdown Water Park 💦 A fun-filled day of water slides and summer excitement

• Beach Trips 🏖️ Coastal activities, beach games, and relaxation

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*�️ Evening Return & Dinner

17:30–18:30 – Return to Campus 18:30 – Dinner 🍽️

Evening activities continue as normal, allowing students to relax after an exciting day out.

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*� Wind-Down & Lights Out

21:00 – House Time & Snacks 🧃 22:00 – Lights Out 😴

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✨ What Makes Canford Special

• A blend of academics, activities, and excursions

• Fully supervised off-campus trips

• Confidence-building experiences every day

• A safe, supportive boarding environment

• Friendships that last beyond the summer

What’s Included ✔️

The programme fee includes:

• 15 hours of tuition per week

• Maximum class size of 15 students

• Accommodation and all meals 🍽️

• Full social programme and excursions

• End-of-course report and certificate 📄

• Comprehensive travel insurance

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English Language Levels 🌍🗣️

Classes are available for students at all English levels, from beginners up to B2 and above. Some subject-specific courses may require a minimum level.

Before the programme:

• Students complete an online English assessment

• Results help confirm suitability and placement

• If needed, an academic consultation is arranged to advise next steps

Support & Student Welfare 🛡️

Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. All staff, volunteers, and visitors follow strict Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and every team member receives comprehensive training before the programme begins.

Students live in secure boarding houses, each overseen by:

• A dedicated House Parent

• A team of residential staff available 24/7

This structure ensures students feel supported, respected, and cared for at all times, giving families complete peace of mind.

Transfers & Arrival Information ✈️

Supervised transfer services are available from Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station.

Arrival & Departure Windows:

• Arrival (Flights): 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Departure (Flights): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Arrival (Train): 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Departure (Train): 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Students are transported using:

• Staffed private coach

• Staffed minibus

• Staffed taxi

The transport method is determined by group size and arrival times.

Upon arrival, a staff member will greet students, provide refreshments, and escort them to the school.

Transfer booking deadline: 28 days before the course start date

Do You Need a Visa to Attend?

Checking whether you need a visa to attend one of our summer courses is quick and straightforward. We recommend using the UK Government’s official visa checker to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

From 2025, most visitors travelling to the UK for short-term study will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

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Standard Visitor Visa

If you do require a visa, the appropriate option for attending our courses is the Standard Visitor Visa.

This visa allows students to take part in short-term educational programmes in the UK.

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EU, EEA & Swiss Nationals

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short visits without applying for a visa. This policy remains unchanged following Brexit.

However, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may still be required (see below).

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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you do not need a visa for a short stay in the UK, you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.

Key ETA Dates

• From 8 January 2025 Eligible non-European visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK.

• From 5 March 2025 Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an ETA.

• From 2 April 2025 Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

• From April 2025 All visitors who do not need a visa and do not already hold UK immigration status will require an ETA.

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ETA Cost & Processing Time

• Cost: £10 (expected to rise to £16 in the coming months)

• Processing time: Typically up to 3 days, though some applications may take longer

We strongly recommend applying well in advance of travel.

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Digital eVisa

Some travellers may be eligible for a digital eVisa instead of a physical visa. Eligibility and application details can be checked on the UK Government website.

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Where to Apply & Get More Information

• Check if you need a visa or ETA using the UK Government visa checker

• Learn more about ETAs and eligibility on the UK Government website

• Apply for an ETA via the official UK Government application page