Oxford sixth formers visit Grassroots Innovation Centre

The newly launched open day was held by Oxford’s Grassroots Innovation Centre at Keble College, in partnership with Chenderit School, The Oxford Academy and The Swan School.

Lower sixth business studies students took part in workshops, founder talks and careers advice sessions throughout the day.

Rob Nicoll, innovation director at Grassroots Innovation Centre, said: “At Grassroots Innovation Centre, we’re committed to helping innovators turn ideas into successful businesses.

“But we also believe it’s important to inspire the next generation.

“Our aim for the open day was to bring business theory to life and show students that entrepreneurship is an achievable career path, not something reserved for a select few.

“By bringing students into a working innovation centre and introducing them to founders who are building businesses every day, we’re helping them connect what they learn in the classroom with the opportunities that exist beyond school.

“We hope this is the first of many events that strengthen the links between Oxford’s innovation community and local schools.”

Students were taken through the practicalities of launching and growing a business – from structuring a company and developing a product to attracting customers and making sales.

A standout moment was the chance to hear from entrepreneurs based at the centre.

Catherine Hurley Arbibe, co-founder of Newroad30, and Jeremy Bassett, founder of Super Benji, shared their personal journeys in building businesses in healthcare innovation and AI sales.

The sixth formers asked questions about identifying unique selling points, learning from failure and finding the confidence to take risks.

The programme also featured an employability workshop led by Zoe Greenwood of Oxford HR.

Students were given advice on writing CVs and cover letters, using artificial intelligence effectively, and ensuring their applications reflected their skills, values and personality.

An interactive session on sales brought the day to a close, emphasising the importance of communicating confidently in all areas of life, from pitching ideas and seeking investment to progressing in a chosen career.

Laura Megaw, head of sixth form at The Swan School, said: “The students really enjoyed the event and the opportunity to understand theoretical business concepts in the real world with real business examples.

“Almost all are now considering establishing their own enterprises.”

Grassroots Innovation Centre plans to make the Sixth Form Business Open Day an annual part of its outreach, aiming to build lasting connections between schools and Oxford’s growing innovation ecosystem.