The Upskill Schools Enterprise Challenge was created in response to clear gaps in opportunity, aspiration, and skills development among children growing up in areas of high deprivation. At On the Up, our mission is rooted in improving life chances through early intervention, building confidence, raising aspirations, and developing employability and entrepreneurial skills from a young age.

Why We Changed Our Approach

Through our work in primary schools, we recognised that in some schools the traditional whole-class delivery wasn’t reaching every child effectively. While many engaged well, those facing additional barriers, particularly children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), English as an Additional Language (EAL), and those eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), were often not fully benefiting.

This insight led to a strategic shift: moving away from a one-size-fits-all model and toward smaller, more targeted group delivery.

A More Inclusive Model in Action

Since 2025, with support from Pearson Engineering’s social action programme, we worked with 110 children to pilot this new approach. At North Fawdon Primary School, we delivered two programmes to groups of 15 and 18 pupils. Within one group alone:

  • 14 pupils were eligible for Free School Meals
  • 4 had English as an Additional Language
  • 11 required SEN support

This highlighted a high level of need, but also an incredible opportunity. With the right environment and delivery style, these children were able to fully engage, participate, and succeed.

Learning Through Creativity and Innovation

Our programme challenges traditional assumptions about attainment. We believe enterprise and STEM education should be accessible to all learners—and our results show this is possible.

By introducing hands-on, creative activities such as “Design a Robot to Help You”, and incorporating early concepts of AI and engineering, we created an engaging learning experience that particularly resonated with children who may struggle in more conventional academic settings.

As Emily Bell, Teacher at North Fawdon Primary School, shared:

“The children have gained really valuable knowledge and expertise about lots of different aspects of creating and growing a business. They used teamwork skills weekly to build their pitches and work on presentations. They used their creativity and design skills to design logos and create an advert for their products. The children have gained a great insight into engineering thanks to Pearson and the range of jobs and expertise within one company.”

The Impact

The outcomes of this work have been significant across multiple levels:

For Children:
We’ve seen increased confidence, improved communication skills, and a greater awareness of STEM and enterprise pathways, particularly among those facing the greatest barriers.

For Schools:
Schools are recognising the value of smaller group interventions and are beginning to adopt more inclusive approaches to support children with complex needs.

For Our Organisation:
On the Up has developed a scalable, evidence-based model that is now being rolled out across other areas of Newcastle.

For Partners:
Pearson Engineering has strengthened employee engagement through meaningful social action, with staff contributing to real, measurable community impact.

Opening Eyes to New Possibilities

As Vicki Stone, Director at On the Up, explains:

“Having Pearson Engineering in the classroom gives children a real insight into what engineers actually do. The introduction of robotics sparked huge interest and curiosity. Many of the children we work with only see the world their parents know, so exposure to engineering and technology truly opens their eyes to new possibilities. What’s most rewarding is seeing even the shyest children find the confidence to stand up and pitch their ideas, it’s a powerful transformation.”

What’s Next

Building on this success, we are now expanding our small-group delivery model across the city, recognising the greater impact it has on children with additional barriers. We are also exploring opportunities to extend our work into youth groups in Blyth and other disadvantaged areas of Newcastle.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that more young people, regardless of their background, can access meaningful opportunities, build confidence, and realise their full potential.

Because when we design programmes with inclusion at their core, everyone benefits.