Kettering SEND school’s Christmas enterprise fayre raises over £2,300 for Isebrook funds and local foodbank

Isebrook School, a special secondary school in Kettering, launched a whole-school enterprise challenge this Autumn, designed to give students hands-on experience of the workplace, culminating in selling products at a Christmas Fayre.

Learners worked collaboratively within their classes to research, design, and create products for the event. From hand-made wrapping paper and baubles to leather keyrings and wooden dinosaurs, students showcased creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Money raised by the ventures at the Christmas Enterprise Fayre raised over £2172 for the school and £170 for Kettering Foodbank.

Assistant headteacher Ryan Storey said: “Seeing our students thrive at this event was truly magical. Their hard work, creativity, and determination, alongside the dedication of our whole school staff, made this fayre a huge success. I am immensely proud of every student and the inclusive, ambitious enterprise culture we continue to build.”

Supported by Isebrook’s school trust, Creating Tomorrow, each class was given a £50 float to kickstart their projects.

The challenge provided the opportunity for cross-curricular learning linked to careers, incorporating skills such as budgeting, design, and production.

Many students were also involved in selling their creations to peers, parents and carers, managing money and engaging directly with customers.

On the day, students wowed visitors with creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit – with several stalls selling out and even taking after-sale orders due to popular demand.

After repaying starter funding, each of the classes donated 10 per cent of their profits to charity. The remaining profit will either be used toward a reward of the class’s choice or reinvested into their Easter enterprise project to grow their reward fund further.

Careers lead and assistant headteacher Ryan Storey and work experience coordinator Lesley Chattaway head up the project, with enterprise forming a key part of the school’s curriculum.

Find out more about enterprise projects from Creating Tomorrow schools at www.creatingtomorrow.org.uk/posts.