By Mrs Simms (Head of Business and Economics)

A group of our A Level Business students recently took part in the national ONS data challenge, a competition run by the Office for National Statistics that encourages young people to use real data to solve real-world problems.

Working collaboratively, the team focused on our local area, analysing a wide range of official ONS datasets. They examined trends in business activity, employment, demographics and local economic conditions. After collating and interpreting the data, the students brainstormed potential causes behind Bedford’s business-related challenges and developed a thoughtful policy proposal aimed at improving outcomes for local firms and the community.

The project required advanced analytical skills, teamwork and creative problem-solving - mirroring the kind of work undertaken by professional economists and policy advisers. The students put together their findings in a clear, engaging presentation, which we submitted last week. Fingers crossed!