Transforming Futures at St Edwards’s School with the Young People Index®

Research emphasises the correlation between self-awareness and success in young individuals—those more self-aware are 50% more likely to achieve personal goals (Stanford University). Collaborating with St Edward’s School, The YP Index® team aimed to bolster Year 12 students’ confidence in planning their futures.

The Background

St Edward’s, a renowned comprehensive school in the UK’s South West, fosters an environment where all students, irrespective of ability, are encouraged to realise their potential. Acknowledging that academic excellence alone doesn’t guarantee success, St Edward’s partnered with a dedicated team to enhance self-awareness and confidence among its students.

St Edwards School transforming futures of young people

How the Young People Index® is being used to help students

The Young People Index® was built into this programme of self-discovery to help year 12’s to prepare for their futures and start thinking about the type of work environments in which they will thrive in.

Students took part in three innovative workshops designed to help them discover their unique contribution and understand how they are energised to make an impact. They learnt how to collaborate effectively with others who think differently to them, and to prepare a plan for their future.

Each student received their own personalised YPI report

Before workshops commenced each student took the online questionnaire and received a personalised report, highlighting their energy for impact. The entire class embarked on a journey of self-discovery, understanding how individual and team energy can influence better decision-making for the future.

How the Young People Index facilitates future planning

By helping students understand what energises them when working in teams, we can start to explore types of future environments they are more likely to thrive, not just survive. Knowing what environment is best for them can help students decide which organisation they might pick in the future, or what job they may prefer to apply for. For example, someone who thrives on getting things done (Implementer) may struggle in a role where they are expected to take people with them on a journey.

This insight helped the young people gain more clarity about how they work with others and what type of environment might be right for them. It also provided clarity on collaborative dynamics and ideal work environments, smoothing the transition from education to the professional world.

The Careers and Enterprise Company

The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education in England, whose mission is to help every young person find their best next step were delighted with the results. A spokesperson for The Careers & Enterprise Company said:

“The Young People Index provided a great opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and how they work within a team through a programme of workshops. These workshops were both motivational and valuable – inspiring students for the future world of work.”

Catherine Beater
Careers & Enterprise Company

“This innovative programme brought a fresh perspective to our students’ career planning. It is clear this approach equips them with invaluable self-awareness crucial for navigating their future paths successfully.”

Teacher, St Edward’s School