Students from The Island VI Form have made history after achieving the highest level of success ever reached by an Isle of Wight school team in the Young Enterprise Best Company Competition National Final.
On 3rd June, the Young Enterprise team, Boundless Wight, travelled to Cardiff to compete against the very best student companies in the country, having already won the Isle of Wight, Hampshire and South East regional competitions.
Built around their flagship product, Walk The Wight: The Board Game. The team has enjoyed an extraordinary journey over recent months, being selected from more than 1,000 teams nationwide – Boundless Wight secured a place among the final 12 companies competing for the national title.
Ahead of the final, the students submitted a detailed business report and took part in a rigorous interview with the judging panel, confidently presenting their business achievements, growth and future ambitions.
Competition day in Cardiff began with the team showcasing their business alongside some of the country’s most impressive young entrepreneurs.
Their achievements stood out among an exceptionally strong field, with Boundless Wight generating the highest income of any team competing in the National Final.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of business challenges, including an Apprentice-style task where team member Sophie impressed judges and was awarded a prestigious “You’re Hired” medal.
The team’s success was further recognised during the awards ceremony when they received the Delta Air Lines Pursuit of Opportunity Award, selected and presented by the Head Judge.
While the overall national title went elsewhere, the award represents a landmark achievement for both the team and the Isle of Wight, marking the most successful Young Enterprise campaign ever undertaken by an Island school.
Phil Pearce-Jones, Head of School at The Island VI Form, said:
“We are incredibly proud of everything Boundless Wight has achieved. To reach the National Final from a field of more than 1,000 teams is an exceptional accomplishment in itself, but to return home with a national award and having generated the highest income of any of this year’s finalists is truly remarkable.
“The students have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, resilience, teamwork and professionalism throughout their journey. They have been outstanding ambassadors for The Island VI Form and for the Isle of Wight, and we look forward to seeing their business continue to grow.”
The team’s entrepreneurial journey is far from over with them now preparing for the official launch of ‘Walk The Wight: The Board Game’ and the fulfilment of a significant number of pre-orders secured during the competition.
The public launch event will take place at The Island VI Form on 17 June from 18:00 to 19:30, with a number of VIP guests already confirmed to attend.
The Island VI Form would also like to thank Ms Garey and Mr Kidd for their dedication, enthusiasm and professional support throughout the programme.
Special thanks go out to Tracy Osborne, Director of Fundraising and Operations at Quarry Abbey, whose mentorship, expertise and unwavering support have played a vital role in the team’s success throughout the Young Enterprise programme.
