The challenges faced by schools in keeping young people engaged are no secret. In recent years, a growing number of students are finding it increasingly difficult to connect with traditional academic structures. As highlighted in a recent BBC article, the rise of disengagement among students is causing serious concern for both educators and parents. Children who fall through the cracks often face a life trajectory filled with missed opportunities, diminished confidence, and a lack of purpose.
Many of these young people are at risk of underachievement, dropping out, and becoming disconnected from society. Schools have done their best, but what if there was another way to support these young people? What if the key to re-engagement was not in textbooks but in entrepreneurship?
At Ultra Education, we’ve seen first-hand how entrepreneurship can provide a solution to this problem. One of the most effective programmes we offer is our 16-week 1-to-1 mentoring and entrepreneurship course, aimed specifically at young people who are at risk of disengagement from education. The results have been transformative.
The Problem of Disengagement
The BBC article sheds light on the growing problem of students struggling to stay engaged in school. Teachers and school staff are seeing a rise in mental health issues, absenteeism, and students who are simply “checked out.” Traditional education doesn’t always resonate with every student, and for some, the rigid structure of school makes it difficult for them to see how their education is relevant to their lives.
These young people often come from complex backgrounds, with many facing personal or family issues that make school seem like a secondary priority. The consequences of disengagement can be severe, leading to social isolation, poor academic results, and, in some cases, involvement in crime or anti-social behaviour.
The Power of Entrepreneurship as a Solution
Our 16-week entrepreneurship mentoring programme has provided a lifeline to many of these young people. By offering an alternative path that taps into their passions and interests, we help them see how they can take control of their future. Entrepreneurship teaches them not only how to build a business but also invaluable life skills like resilience, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
We’ve also had the privilege of working with those who have transformed their lives through our programme. Many, who previously had little interest in education, found a spark of motivation when they realised they could turn their ideas and creativity into something tangible.
Real Stories of Impact
One of the most remarkable stories comes from a young person, KH, who was struggling to engage with school. Our mentor worked closely with KH, going beyond the traditional mentorship role. The mentor didn’t just focus on business concepts; they took KH to the gym, accompanied them to careers appointments, and even helped them explore local colleges.
The feedback from KH’s school was glowing:
“The mentor has not only assisted KH in attending school but has also actively engaged them in extracurricular activities, such as taking them to the gym, accompanying them to careers appointments, and attending medical appointments. This goes beyond the conventional mentorship role, illustrating the mentor’s commitment to KH’s holistic development.”
This kind of mentorship is more than just educational support. It addresses the whole person—helping them to develop in all areas of life. The mentor’s approach built a relationship of trust and respect with KH, helping them to re-engage with school and set future goals.
Positive Feedback from Students
Our 8 week entrepreneurship programmes have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students. At Kingsley Academy in Hounslow, students expressed their appreciation for the support they received:
- “It was engaging and energetic; it gave me motivation to work on my passion… I do boxing, but if that doesn’t work out, I can always start a business, or I can even do both now, which I didn’t think about before.”
- “I found it fun and I learnt a lot, like being independent and humble.”
- “It was the best ever session.”
- “I had so much fun, and I feel so happy doing it. I think it’s beneficial and something that I can do in the real world.”
Students particularly valued the personal and practical support that goes beyond academic lessons. Many shared how the programme helped them develop new skills, such as designing logos, making key decisions, and building the confidence to start their own businesses. One student reflected:
- “I get listened to and felt like I was able to make good decisions because the staff would explore options with me.”
The mentorship provided by Ultra Education also helped students with issues beyond entrepreneurship. Several students mentioned how they were able to talk openly with staff about challenges they faced at school, from conflicts with teachers to staying focused in class.
A Holistic Approach
What sets our programme apart is its holistic approach. We focus not only on entrepreneurship but on every aspect of a young person’s life. This includes building positive relationships with their families, schools, and social services. As KH’s pastoral mentor noted:
“The mentor’s ability to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders has contributed significantly to KH’s overall support network.”
The combination of entrepreneurship training and consistent mentorship helps to rebuild confidence and instil a sense of purpose in these students. It shows them that there is more than one way to succeed.
The Future of Entrepreneurship in Education
Entrepreneurship has proven to be a powerful tool for re-engaging young people who feel disconnected from school. By offering a flexible and creative outlet, entrepreneurship allows them to see the practical applications of their skills and ideas, and more importantly, how they can build a future that excites them.
With the success of programmes like ours, it’s becoming increasingly clear that entrepreneurship can be a key solution to the growing issue of youth disengagement. Through entrepreneurship, we’re helping to shape the next generation of resilient, self-motivated, and innovative young people, ready to take on the world.
