Innovative Entrepreneurialism for Teens at Tonbridge School

Course Description: Innovative Entrepreneurialism for Teens at Tonbridge School

🌍 About the Course

• Develop disruptive business ideas that create social impact and economic value

• Explore entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and leadership through project-based learning

• Learn how new products, services, and business models solve real-world problems

• Work in small, mixed international teams to build confidence, creativity, and collaboration

• Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in English

This two-week Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programme offers ambitious students an immersive introduction to leadership, enterprise and global problem-solving. Designed around a structured weekly timetable, students follow a balanced programme of academic challenges, workshops, skills sessions and collaborative project work, all supported by experienced educators.

Each weekday begins with breakfast followed by focused morning sessions where students work through themed business and innovation challenges. Afternoons are dedicated to growth workshops, skills development and team projects, while evenings include supervised social activities, reflection time and group events that help build confidence and friendships 🌍🤝.

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🗓️ Programme Structure

• 🍳 Morning – Breakfast followed by pathway challenges and academic sessions

• 🧠 Late Morning – Business challenges, ideation, and problem-solving workshops

• 🍽️ Midday – Lunch and breaks

• 🌱 Afternoon – Growth workshops and skills-based sessions

• 🌙 Evening – Social programme, team activities, and leisure time

Key timetable highlights include:

• 🏢 Business HQ experience

• 🎓 University visit (Oxford or Cambridge)

• 🌍 Full-day London excursion

• 🤝 Professional networking evening

• 💡 Final full-day Hackathon challenge

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🚀 Challenge-Based Learning

• Complete five real-world challenges across the two-week programme

• Each challenge builds skills in:

• Ideation & problem identification

• Market awareness & sustainability

• Strategic planning & pitching

• The final challenge (Hackathon) brings all learning together in a professional pitch setting

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🎯 Course Aims

Students will:

• 💬 Strengthen communication and presentation skills

• 💡 Build creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking

• 🤝 Learn collaboration through diverse, feedback-driven teamwork

• 🌱 Develop ethical reasoning and confident decision-making

• 🎓 Explore academic pathways through university visits

• 🏢 Gain insight into innovation and enterprise through industry exposure

• 🌍 Develop leadership skills for a fast-changing global economy

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🌱 Growth Workshops

• 12 interactive sessions per programme

• Focused on:

• Career & professional growth

• Academic & future learning

• Social & personal development

• Leadership & communication

• Hands-on, reflective, and discussion-led

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🛠️ Skills Sessions

Students choose to:

• Specialise in one skill area across all sessions

• OR explore two different skill areas for variety

Skill areas include:

• ⚽ Sporting & physical pursuits

• 🎨 Creative & artistic expression

• 💻 Digital innovation & technology

• 🧗 Adventure & outdoor skills

• 🏢 Business & enterprise experiences

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🏢 Business & University Experiences

• Behind-the-scenes insight into modern organisations

• Interactive workshops and talks with professionals

• University visits to Oxford or Cambridge

• Clear links between classroom learning and real-world application

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🎉 Leisure & Social Programme

On-campus activities:

• 🎶 Music festival

• 🌈 Colour run

• 🎬 Open-air cinema

• 🎤 Quiz nights, karaoke, discos

Optional off-site activities (extra cost):

• 🎥 Cinema (~£20)

• 🎳 Bowling (~£20)

• 🧗 Clip & climb (~£25)

• 🤸 Trampoline park (~£25)

• 🔫 Laser quest (~£20)

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🏡 Accommodation & Pastoral Care

• On-site boarding houses with dedicated pastoral teams

• Single, twin, and shared rooms (age-appropriate)

• Communal social and relaxation spaces

• 24/7 supervision in a safe, inclusive environment

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🍽️ Meals & Welfare

• 🍴 Three meals per day plus snacks

• 🥗 All dietary requirements catered for

• 💳 Cashless campus (debit/credit cards only)

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🎓 Certification

• Certificate of participation and achievement

• Personalised academic progress report

• End-of-programme awards ceremony

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✈️ Airport Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

• Available 09:00–17:00 on designated transfer days

• Support available for alternative travel arrangements

What are the English level requirements? 📘

Students should have at least a B1 level on the CEFR scale or an IELTS score of 4.0 to participate effectively in the programme.

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My child is 12 or younger. Can they register? 👦👧

We do not generally accept students under the age of 13. However, applications may be considered on an individual basis, depending on the student’s maturity, English proficiency, and chosen learning Pathway.

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Do I need a visa or ETA? 🛂

Yes. Depending on nationality, students will require either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. We will provide all supporting documents needed to assist with the application process.

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Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

We welcome students from both the United Kingdom and overseas, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

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Who will meet my child at the airport? ✈️

An official programme representative will meet students in the airport arrivals area immediately after luggage collection.

The representative will be:

• Wearing a clearly identifiable programme uniform

• Holding a clearly marked programme sign

For reassurance, parents will receive the representative’s full name and photograph approximately two weeks before travel.

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What should I pack? 🎒

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a full packing list around 9–10 weeks before arrival. This will outline all required and optional items, including clothing and toiletries.

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What is your mobile phone policy? 📱

Students may bring mobile phones, but they must not be used during:

• Communal activities

• Challenges and growth workshops

• University and business visits

• Skills sessions

Phones may be used during free time and leisure periods. Students are encouraged to remain engaged with the programme and their peers.

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Who teaches the programme? 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

All Applied Learning Pathways and Growth Workshops are designed and led by Tonbridge educators.

Skills sessions are delivered by a combination of internal and external instructors.

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How many students attend the programme? 👥

Each sprint typically includes around 50 students, representing countries from around the world.

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Are there activities after the academic timetable? ⚽🎭

Yes. Students have access to a wide range of on-site and local activities, including:

• Swimming pool, gym, and sports hall facilities

• Town visits and cultural experiences

• Organised sports and group activities

These activities provide balance, wellbeing, and opportunities to socialise.

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Is there a cash machine on campus? 💳

No. The campus operates on a cashless system. Students can pay for additional items using a credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card.