Pathways & Possibilities: Business Leaders of the Future

Our Upper 6th pupils have received offers for a wide array of business-related courses, from Marketing and Management at University of Exeter to International Business, Finance and Economics at University of Manchester, Sport Business at Liverpool John Moores University to Business Management (Logistics and Operations) at Cardiff University. Business is our most popular subject in Upper College and so it follows that Business-related applications to university make up around 25% of all Upper 6th applications from College annually.

Business is offered in Upper College through both the Cambridge Technical (CTech) qualification and A Level. The CTech Business course allows pupils to build a strong foundational knowledge across business and the many sectors that make up the vast network of career opportunities and pathways. Pupils practice compiling information and presenting it to their peers or through their large coursework portfolios; the combination of business knowledge and transferable skills such as teamwork, independent research, analysis, planning and communication prepares them well for university, apprenticeships and employment in the business sector.

Taking Business A Level is like getting a backstage pass to how the world actually works. It strips away the mystery of why some companies skyrocket to success while others crash and burn, giving you a practical toolkit you can use in any career. The A Level allows pupils to dive into Marketing, Finance, Operations and Human Resources. The greatest skill pupils develop in Business A Level is critical thinking. The course looks at real-world case studies—from tiny tech startups to global giants like Amazon and Nike. In exams, pupils consider a company’s problem, weigh up the pros and cons of different solutions, and make a justified executive decision.

Learning extends beyond the classroom with Business students having the opportunity to compare and contrast differing models through visits to Morgan Motor Company, BMW MINI in Cowley, Superdry and Gloucester Rugby.

In addition, the Cheltenham College Business Society offers an exceptional avenue for enrichment, seamlessly bridging the gap between textbook theory and real-world application. As an integral part of our broader academic extension and evening society programme, it provides pupils with opportunities to engage directly with the modern commercial world. Through student-led debates on current economic trends, and practical business simulation challenges, the society sparks entrepreneurial thinking and develops crucial leadership and teamwork skills.

The Mini-MBA forms part of the Lower 6th elective programme. This year pupils have listened to talks from a variety of entrepreneurs and business people in industries including steam engineering, children’s skincare products, night clubs, media advertising and children’s educational resources.

College pupils have an opportunity to engage with the world of Business from early on. In 3rd Form through careers events including the Entrepreneur’s Careers Evening and in 4th Form through the weekly Enterprise Elective. Throughout these lessons, students gain an understanding of how businesses work, develop entrepreneurial skills and build financial literacy. They work as part of a small team to research different business functions and how market trends and societal behaviours can impact every decision that is made. Pupils also have an opportunity to learn about the roles of individuals within businesses and explore the potential career pathways available.

Exposure to the world of business runs throughout College—from Lower to Upper College—through teaching, super-curricular opportunities, and real-world commercial experience, preparing pupils to become business leaders of the future.

Our Pathways & Possibilities series celebrates the journeys of our pupils as they take their next steps beyond College, while supporting current pupils and parents with expert guidance along the way. Each week, we will share a mix of success stories and practical advice from our Higher Education and Careers team to help inspire and inform future pathways.

If you would like to learn more about Sixth Form at Cheltenham College, please click here.

If you would like to find out more about the College’s Higher Education & Careers department, please click here.