Ilfracombe Academy Students Shine with Award-Winning Hedgehog Business

Budding entrepreneurs from The Ilfracombe Academy, part of Athena Learning Trust, have made a strong impression at their first Young Enterprise trade fair in Exeter.

Under their business name, The Wild Workshop, the Year 12 team designs and sells homemade hedgehog houses focused on sustainability and conservation. They received positive feedback from the judges and won the award for customer service.

Students spent the day showcasing their products and engaging visitors, gaining practical business skills and confidence to prepare for future studies, careers, and community involvement.

The Ilfracombe Academy offers a wide range of enrichment activities, giving students opportunities to develop curiosity, teamwork, and initiative. Projects like Young Enterprise help students grow as well-rounded individuals, gaining skills and experiences that benefit both academic progress and personal development.

Mr Steve Rogers, Headteacher at The Ilfracombe Academy, said:

“A huge well done to The Wild Workshop team. They’ve shown real creativity, hard work, and enterprise, and it’s fantastic to see them gaining skills and confidence that will help them in the future.”