Service has been central to the identity of Sevenoaks School ever since the 1960s. Every year Sevenoaks pupils volunteer in various ways to support local charities, schools and the elderly, while others involve themselves in overseas development projects. One of the most startling features of the economy in recent years has been the growth of social enterprise – businesses that have community awareness at the very heart of their ethos.

In order to raise awareness of this vital trend, Sevenoaks worked closely with Entrepreneurs in Action, an award-winning social enterprise, to create an activity day for all of our Lower Sixth Students on Monday 6 February. Coordinated jointly by Derek Browne of EIA and Neil Tetley, Co-curricular Deputy Head, the Social Enterprise Event stretched and challenged our students in ways that took them far out of their comfort zones and immersed them in the world of ethically-responsible business.

The day began with Derek and his team outlining the critical importance of social awareness to current business-culture, and how pupils wishing to work in enterprise cannot be oblivious to corporate social responsibility. In a stirring address, the philanthropist Phil Wall drew from his own experiences to highlight the capacity for socially responsible enterprise to deliver huge public benefits. The Lower Sixth was then divided into groups in which they were tasked with devising a business that was both financially viable and socially responsible.

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