Students at Abbey College Manchester have showcased remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and community dedication through a recent charity fundraising challenge. Year 12 and 13 pupils at the city centre-based independent college participated in an innovative initiative that combined business acumen with philanthropic efforts, raising significant funds for a variety of charitable organisations.
Entrepreneurial Spirit in Action
Each tutor group at the college received a modest £10 seed loan to develop a comprehensive business plan supporting a charity of their choice. The challenge encouraged creative thinking and practical application of entrepreneurial skills, with some groups producing compelling video content to compete for a prestigious place in the college's own 'Dragon's Den' style final.
From Initial Ideas to Final Presentations
Five teams progressed to the final stage, where they presented their carefully crafted ideas to a panel of judges. These presentations involved answering probing questions to secure additional funding that would bring their charitable projects to life. Brandon Wood's tutor group particularly impressed the judges, earning an extra £30 loan to kickstart their fundraising campaign effectively.
Innovative Fundraising Activities
The challenge inspired a diverse range of fundraising activities across the college community. Students organised FIFA competitions, chess tournaments, and raffles to generate funds. In one particularly creative example, a tutor group sold tickets for fellow students to watch their tutor's moustache and beard being shaved off, demonstrating both humour and commitment to their cause.
Celebrating Outstanding Success
The overall winners were Nicky Cathery's tutor group, who raised an impressive £797.59 for Shine, a national charity providing specialist support and community for everyone affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Their fundraising centrepiece was The Great Abbey Bake Off, where staff members and students paid to participate in a baking competition.
Paul and Alex served as judges for the baking entries, with Maddie claiming first place for her delicious cake creation. She received a beautiful handmade trophy crafted by fellow student Mika. All baked goods were subsequently sold at a bake sale to raise additional funds, contributing to the group's substantial total.
Significant Charitable Impact
In total, the college community raised a remarkable £1,257.08, supporting multiple charities including Shine, Manchester-based homeless charity Mustard Tree, UNICEF, Alzheimer's Society, and Feed Manchester. Elliot Henchy's tutor group secured second place in the competition, followed by Brandon Wood's group in third position.
Nicky Cathery and her tutees received the coveted prize for raising the most money, while Brandon Wood and his group were recognised as the best team players. Individual awards were also presented to students Chi, Mika, and Brandon Wood for their outstanding contributions throughout the challenge.
Educational Benefits Beyond Fundraising
Chris Randell, principal at Abbey College Manchester, commented: "The students have shown incredible creativity, teamwork and community spirit throughout this fundraising challenge. The fundraising activities are a fantastic example of how learning extends beyond the classroom here at Abbey College Manchester. Students have developed important skills such as problem-solving, entrepreneurial and financial planning, while working collaboratively to make a real difference for charities that matter to them."
College Ethos and Educational Approach
Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, is a thriving independent college located in the heart of Manchester city centre. The institution serves a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15 to 19, with approximately 220 pupils comprising both local and international students.
The college's teaching philosophy emphasises small classes and highly personalised learning within an academically rigorous yet informal setting. This approach focuses on supporting students through the transition from school to university, working individually with each pupil to achieve the academic standards and social skills required by their target universities, including world-class institutions.
Abbey College Manchester also provides expert preparation for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a distinctive alternative to traditional educational establishments. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies, and International Foundation Programmes to meet diverse student needs.
