SWPS Industry Challenge: Real-World Learning in Action | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS) Skip to content Book a visit School news News article A Levels 24 February 2026 SWPS Industry Challenge: Real-World Learning in Action 24 February 2026 Share on During the Spring Term, all Year 12 students took part in the inaugural SWPS Industry Challenge – an ambitious new element of the Sixth Form Life Skills programme designed to give students meaningful insight into the world of work. The initiative brought together the strengths of our school community, with four parents – representing a national supermarket chain, a financial services provider, a global technology organisation and a healthcare company – introducing students to the real problems professionals face every day. Each organisation set a genuine business challenge, ranging from operational efficiency and financial decision-making to digital innovation and service improvement. Industry experts included: Mr Mehool Mistry (Fulfilment Operations Director at Tesco) Mr Kiran Sahota (Senior Underwriter, Independent Growth Finance) Ms Sunny Athwal (Chief Privacy Officer, HCL Tech) Mrs Kate Michael (Head of Enterprise Risk & Oversight) Working in groups, students spent several weeks researching, analysing and developing strategic solutions. They were responsible for dividing roles, managing deadlines and preparing proposals to a professional standard. Crucially, each team then presented their recommendations directly to the organisations involved, receiving feedback and insights from industry specialists. This hands-on, outward-looking approach is designed show the development of the transferable skills that matter most in modern careers – problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and critical and creative thinking. It also gives students a rare opportunity to explore different industries, understand employer expectations and build the confidence needed to thrive beyond school. What Our Industry Partners Said Feedback from professionals was outstanding. Mehool Mistry, Fulfilment Operations Director at Tesco, commented: “It was a pleasure to see the hard work, creativity and professionalism your pupils brought to the project. Their solutions were thoughtful, practical and innovative – and they communicated their ideas with confidence.” Students working with Independent Growth Finance (IGF) were invited to present at the company’s head office in Redhill, experiencing a real corporate environment. Senior Underwriter Kiran Sahota commented: “We were thoroughly impressed by the level of diligence and confidence shown by the students. Their responses opened up real-world discussions, and their curiosity was fantastic to see.” Further challenges were delivered in-house by HCL Tech and Kate Michael, Head of Enterprise Risk & Oversight, who praised students for their depth of research, strong articulation and professionalism. Across all groups, students demonstrated the resilience, adaptability and independence that sit at the heart of SWPS Sixth Form life. The SWPS Industry Challenge reflects our commitment to preparing students not only for A Level success, but for the diverse and dynamic futures that lie ahead. What Our Students Said For many students, the SWPS Industry Challenge was genuinely transformative. Working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with professionals gave them a new level of clarity about the world beyond school – and confidence in their own potential. Students reflected on the experience: “I found the trip extremely thought-provoking as it linked well to my current studies. It was fascinating to learn how large businesses operate behind the scenes and to have the chance to present my own ideas in front of industry specialists. The experience taught me skills I will definitely take with me into the real world of business beyond SWPS”. Hannah, Year 12 The experience went far beyond theory. Initiatives like the SWPS Industry Challenge sit at the heart of our 3 A Levels + approach in Sixth Form. Academic excellence remains central, but experiences like this ensure students also develop the collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills needed beyond school. At SWPS, enrichment is an essential part of preparing young people for university, apprenticeships and the rapidly evolving world of work. A huge thank you to our industry partners and parents who generously gave their time, expertise and encouragement to support our students. Partnerships like these make learning more meaningful, ambitious and authentic. More news Back to all news Academic • 26/03/2026 British Science Week students quiz the teachers Academic • 25/03/2026 Exploring the Duke of Edinburgh Award Academic • 25/03/2026 British Science Week at SWPS: A Week of Curiosity, Discovery and Hands-On Science Back to all news