News24th September 2026

More than 400 Ark students take part in investment challenge

More than 400 Year 12 students from four Ark schools across London have taken part in a live investment challenge to help them develop the financial literacy, decision-making and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in higher education, apprenticeships and the workplace.

Ark Burlington Danes AcademyArk Elvin AcademyArk John Keats AcademyArk Walworth Academy

The event was delivered in partnership with the Investment Challenge, a programme from M&G plc, one of the UK’s largest savings and investment companies, and social mobility charity The Talent Foundry. The programme introduces young people to key financial concepts by placing them in the role of fund managers, making investment decisions in response to real-world market scenarios.  

Students from Ark Burlington Danes Academy in White City, Ark Elvin Academy in Wembley, Ark John Keats Academy in Enfield, and Ark Walworth Academy in Southwark, participated in the challenge. 

The afternoon began with an interactive workshop delivered in each school before students come together virtually for a live challenge, competing against teams from across the four schools.

The event builds on the success of the delivery of M&G’s Investment Challenge at Ark Walworth Academy last year and has now been expanded to reach more students across the Ark network. 

The challenge came as educators and employers increasingly highlight the importance of equipping young people with practical life skills alongside academic achievement. 

Through teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making, students gained a greater understanding of saving, investing, and the factors that influence financial decisions.  

Ark Head of Destinations Frances Ballaster said, “We want all young people to leave school not only with excellent qualifications, but also with the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to thrive in adult life. 

“Following the success of the challenge at Ark Walworth Academy last year, we’re delighted to have extended this opportunity to more than 400 students across four Ark schools. Experiences like this complement classroom learning and help ensure our students are well prepared for university, apprenticeships and future employment. We are grateful to The Talent Foundry and M&G for helping make this opportunity possible.” 

Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said: “Financial understanding and confidence are key drivers of social mobility, supporting young people to make informed decisions about education, work and long-term wellbeing. Giving young people the opportunity to develop these skills can have a transformative impact on their lives. We’re proud to be able to support even more students from Ark schools this year, helping to build a fairer future for all.” 

Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility at M&G plc, said, “Building financial confidence from an early age can help young people navigate some of life’s most important decisions. The Investment Challenge helps bring these concepts to life in an engaging and accessible way, encouraging students to think critically, work collaboratively and build confidence in making decisions. 

“We’re delighted to work alongside The Talent Foundry and Ark to help more than 400 young people gain the confidence and experience they need to take their next steps towards university, apprenticeships and future careers.”