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Haverstock Sixth Form Students Take on the Business World at Ideas Fest 2026

This week, three Haverstock Sixth Form students, represented the school at Ideas Fest 2026, hosted at Champneys in Tring, Hertfordshire.

Ideas Fest brings together more than 6,000 entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders, with hundreds of talks, workshops and interactive sessions covering entrepreneurship, innovation, AI, marketing, business growth and leadership.

The students earned their places through Haverstock's Business Idea Challenge. Students were given 24 hours to submit a 90 second video response to the challenge: "You've been given £1,000 to start a business that solves a problem experienced by young people." Their pitches had to identify a problem, propose a solution, define their target customer and explain their unique selling point. Following a competitive selection process.

At Ideas Fest, the students were immersed in a professional business environment, hearing directly from entrepreneurs and industry leaders while exploring themes including start-ups, technology, AI, branding, sales and innovation. The festival also provided an invaluable opportunity to develop their communication, confidence and professional networking skills. Throughout the day, the students were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, engage with professionals and connect what they were experiencing with their Business studies and future career aspirations.

The experience forms part of our wider Haverstock Futures ambition to give students meaningful exposure to employers, entrepreneurs and professional environments beyond the classroom; helping them to Discover new opportunities, Develop key skills, Demonstrate their knowledge and application of these skills through a 60 second elevator Pitch with Senior Business Professionals.

A huge congratulations to Jahvanny, Kawthar and Gulsoom for earning this opportunity and representing Haverstock Sixth Form.

Merlain Makiadi,
Pastoral & Aspirations Lead