The world is rapidly evolving, and the jobs of the future may be those that you have to create for yourself. However, in the UK entrepreneurship is still often considered an unusual career choice, and traditional education is geared towards preparing teenagers and young adults for the world of corporate work. As Andy Laurillard, co-founder of the Giggling Squid Thai restaurant chain, explained in a recent talk for Highgrove Online School, entrepreneurship is not about following the rules—it’s about breaking them, learning from mistakes, and daring to do things differently. So how does online learning help prepare pupils for a future world of work where they are more likely to be founding companies, rotating between sectors or collating portfolio careers rather than joining a single company for an extended period of time?
Stepping off the Educational Treadmill
In the UK, where Andy Laurillard started his business, the thrust of a traditional education is to prepare pupils for corporate roles. In his words, ‘You are being groomed to go and work for a big company and progress up the career greasy poll. And the further you go up that path, the harder it is to step off it into being an entrepreneur.’
Entrepreneurship is not a core part of the national curriculum in the UK, and traditional schools tend to promote working under supervision over working independently.
Taking Responsibility for Learning
One of the key factors that sets Highgrove Online School apart from traditional schools is its focus on fostering independent learning. Students at Highgrove are given the responsibility of managing their own educational journey. Through interactive self-study materials, students explore subjects at their own pace, before attending live lessons where they apply their newfound knowledge.
This autonomy is crucial for developing entrepreneurial skills, as it mirrors the freedom and responsibility that come with running your own business. Highgrove students are empowered to explore, make decisions, and grow independently. Highgrove’s approach is rooted in the best practices of learning science, particularly the “flipped classroom” model. Students first engage with content on their own, which allows them to gain foundational knowledge, then come together in live lessons to practise and refine those concepts in real-time.
As Andy shared in his talk, “It’s all about resilience, persistence, and learning from your mistakes.” This principle is central to Highgrove’s approach, where students are encouraged to take initiative, explore new ideas, and be proactive in their learning process. Mistakes aren’t seen as failures, but as valuable learning opportunities—much like in entrepreneurship.
Developing Entrepreneurial Mindset with the Skills and Mindset Course
In addition to the academic curriculum, Highgrove also offers a Skills and Mindset course. This course is specifically designed to teach students the skills needed for success in both business and life. The course focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, self-reflection, and decision-making—all essential skills for budding entrepreneurs.
Highgrove understands that entrepreneurial skills go beyond traditional academic knowledge. That’s why the Skills and Mindset course is integrated into the students’ overall experience, encouraging them to not only excel academically but also develop the mindset needed for success in a competitive world.
Extending Beyond the Standard Curriculum
Courses such as GCSE Business, and A level Business and Economics can be helpful to budding entrepreneurs to give them a general understanding of business and economics, but the focus on these courses on entrepreneurship is relatively limited. Highgrove Online School runs an elective course specifically on Entrepreneurship for pupils who are keen to build up more dedicated knowledge and practical skills, which culminates in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch.
Other financial electives on investment introduce students to a technical understanding of money management and the financial services sector in the UK, preparing pupils for post-graduate level examinations by the Chartered Institue of Securities and Investment. Some pupils additionally make use of the Extended Project Qualification to undertake a research project related to an area of entrepreneurship such as product research or creating a minimum viable product.
Personalised Support and Office Hours
One of the most powerful features of Highgrove’s online learning model is the personalised support available to students. Teachers offer regular Office Hours, where students can drop in to ask questions and receive tailored support. This is particularly valuable for students who are working on entrepreneurial projects, as they can seek guidance from experts who understand the challenges of innovation and business development.
A Model for Independent Learners
Highgrove Education’s online learning model is designed to foster not just academic success, but personal growth and entrepreneurial potential. Students at Highgrove are empowered to be independent, self-motivated learners who are not afraid to explore their interests, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.
As Andy reminded the students in his talk, “There’s something very, very challenging about stepping off the education treadmill that you are all on and into the wild west and setting up your own business.” The flexibility of online learning, combined with the focus on self-study, live lessons, and personalised support, makes Highgrove Online School an ideal place for students who want to develop the skills they need to thrive as entrepreneurs of the future.
Conclusion
In an ever-changing world, the ability to think creatively, take risks, and learn independently is essential for success. Highgrove Online School provides an environment where students can cultivate these entrepreneurial skills through a flexible and supportive learning model. By embracing independence, applying knowledge through practical lessons, and receiving personalised guidance, students are not only preparing for exams—they’re preparing to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
The recording of this talk is now available. Request access to view it from our website.
