20 Students Graduate From YESS Programme in First UK School-Based Cohorts

A quiet race against the clock took place across England as students in two different counties graduated from a programme designed to equip young people with skills often missing from traditional education.

Students at Vale College in Northern Lincolnshire and Framlingham College Suffolk have graduated from the YESS Programme (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start).

Different counties. Different classrooms. No competition. Just two communities preparing their young people for the future at exactly the same moment.

These graduations marked the first school-based cohorts graduating in the UK.

Graduation details:

Vale College

13 students graduated

Facilitated by Catherine McHale

Mentoring provided by local business coach John McHale

Framlingham College

7 students graduated

Facilitated by business coach Chris Duke

Not Just About Business - It's About Life After School

The YESS programme teaches practical life skills including communication, decision-making, handling setbacks and setting goals - abilities often described by employers as missing from school leavers.

Recent feedback from YESS graduates shows:

Over 85% report increased confidence

Around 70% feel more in control of their future

More than 60% say they are already applying the skills in school, work or volunteering

Some students start businesses and most become more capable, motivated and employable. As one student explained:

"I learned that the only failure is failure to participate."



A Community Effort, Not a Paid Course

YESS Foundation-UK became a registered charity in September 2025 and relies on parents, volunteers and local businesses to keep places free for young people.

So far, 282 young people across the UK have completed the programme.

The charity has now set an ambitious goal: to support 1,250 young people in the next year.

Each funded place allows a student to access mentoring, facilitated sessions and practical learning designed to prepare them for employment, further study and adult life.

Why Businesses Are Being Asked to Get Involved

"This isn't just an education initiative, it's a workforce one," says Denise Pitot, CEO of YESS Foundation-UK.

Rather than addressing disengagement later, the programme aims to prevent it early by helping teenagers build belief, clarity and readiness to participate in the economy.

Local businesses are invited to attend future graduations, meet students or support upcoming cohorts.

A Year of Fundraising in Memory and in Hope

To fund future students, the charity will be supported by two major national fundraising efforts in 2026:

BizX 2026 - showcasing student outcomes and community impact

The Kent Rhodes Challenge - a charity walk organised by ActionCOACH business coaches in memory of coach Kent Rhodes, who championed youth education

Funds raised will support both Children with Cancer UK and YESS Foundation-UK.

Organisers say the goal is simple: give young people confidence before life demands it from them.

Media enquiries:
Denise Pitot
denise@yessfoundation.org.uk
Registered Charity Number: 1214961
90 High HolbornLondon WC1V 6LJ

The YESS Foundation (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start) is a charitable organisation focused on empowering young people through entrepreneurship and business education.

This release was published on openPR.