Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the teaching of entrepreneurship in schools.

Young people need better work-related learning to prepare for employment. This is one of the reasons why the Department for Education introduced work experience as part of the new 16-19 Study Programmes and Traineeships from August 2013. Schools may also include teaching about enterprise and entrepreneurship as part of their personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The PSHE Association has produced a suggested programme of study as guidance for teachers which includes reference to enterprise, and continues to highlight other sources of expertise.

The new post-16 funding flexibilities provide an opportunity for schools and colleges to promote enterprise and entrepreneurial skills as part of students’ non-qualification activities. By working with local employers, schools and colleges can help students improve their skills and employability.

Many schools already run the Young Enterprise scheme, which is the UK’s largest business and enterprise education charity. Every year it helps 250,000 young people learn about business and the world of work in the classroom.