Year 8 Girls Crowned National Enterprise Career Champions
July 29, 2025
Our Year 8 pupils, Catherine, Preet, Lucy, Poppy and Jessica, were crowned national winners at the Enterprise Career Challenge Grand Finals held at London’s prestigious Barbican Centre.
The team, known as Team Phoenix, secured their place in the finals after impressing judges during an in-school enterprise day last November. Competing in the NatWest ‘Start Local, Think Global’ challenge, they developed an innovative walking app that allows users to explore Coventry’s history through interactive QR codes. Their creative and community-driven idea won the school heat, earning them a spot in the national finals.
The competition, part of The National Careers Challenge 2025 and delivered by The Inspirational Learning Group in partnership with NatWest Thrive, attracted over 50,000 students nationwide. Only a select few made it to the Grand Final, which was opened by entrepreneur and TikTok personality Simon Squibb and featured special guests like DJ Chicken Nugget and Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn.
Team Phoenix entered the Year 9 category and confidently pitched their idea on stage in front of over 1,000 attendees and two judging panels. Their clarity, creativity and composure earned them the top prize in the Year 9 NatWest Thrive Challenge.
“It was a thrilling experience,” said Preet. “It felt amazing to present our idea to so many people. We were buzzing with excitement when we found out we’d won!”
The team walked away with trophies, goodie bags and signed books from one of the judges. They also gained valuable insights into career paths across sectors like STEM, finance and aviation.
Ben Dyer, co-founder of The Inspirational Learning Group, praised the girls: “It was incredible to witness the creativity and determination these students brought to the Challenge. They truly are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
We are incredibly proud of their outstanding achievement. Congratulations Team Phoenix.
