Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship: A Transformative A-Level Student Experience at Cherwell College Oxford

In April 2025, Cherwell College Oxford delivered a transformative five-day bootcamp in Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, hosted at Keble College, University of Oxford. This intensive programme formed part of Cherwell’s value-added academic offering, designed to enrich the student experience and complement both the A-Level: Step Up and A-Level: Enhanced programmes.

Delivered in partnership with the UC Berkeley Sutardja Centre for Entrepreneurship & Technology, Oxford Entrepreneurs, and YEP! Accelerator, the bootcamp welcomed participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. It was led by Professor Gigi Wang of UC Berkeley SCET, who also served as Course Lead, supported by a distinguished panel of speakers including:

Peter Henry, Founder, Act 5 Ventures
Jason Lee, Faculty Member, Oxford University
Amar Shah, Serial Founder, Deca-corn, Investor
Dan Tyre, Investor & Industry Expert
Adam Davidson, CEO & Founder, Moprinto
Diana Kocheva, Founder, London Tech Community
Andrii Zaikin, CEO, YEP!
Stephen Clarke, Principal, Cherwell College Oxford
Helen Clarke, Vice-Principal, Cherwell College Oxford
Oleksandr Bondariev, Founder, Pleso Therapy, and a former Cherwellian (Class of 2017!)

Throughout the week, students were immersed in practical sessions covering entrepreneurial mindset, business modelling, startup finance, and investor pitching. From ideation to execution, participants worked in teams to develop real startup ventures. The culmination of this immersive experience came on the final day, when student teams pitched their ventures before a panel of four distinguished Industry Judges (and potential investors!):

Amar Shah – Serial Founder. Deca-corn & Investor
Thomas Panton – Venture Fellow, Endgame Capital
Peter Henry – Founder, Act 5 Ventures
Hanna Klimushka – Founder & CEO, PM_ON

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the bootcamp as “life-changing”, “motivational”, and “inspiring”. One student noted, “I came in with just an idea and left with a roadmap.” The setting of Oxford, combined with high-level instruction and a collaborative community, made the experience both academically enriching and personally empowering.

Special Offers: A-Level Step Up & A-Level Enhanced

As part of its commitment to modern, future-ready education, Cherwell College Oxford is now offering two one-of-a-kind A-Level pathways, both of which integrate this bootcamp experience as a core component:

Option 1: A-Level – Step Up

A one-year intensive A-Level programme (August/September 2025 – June 2026) designed for 18–19-year-olds and recent school leavers. Includes two Innovation & Entrepreneurship bootcamps — one in Oxford and one at UC Berkeley SCET in California — with an optional summer term abroad.

Option 2: A-Level – Enhanced

A two-year pathway (August/September 2025 – June 2027) for 16–17-year-olds completing iGCSE or secondary education. Combines rigorous A-Level subject study with integrated entrepreneurial modules and two bootcamps across Oxford and California.

Both options are delivered in partnership with UC Berkeley SCET and are ideal for students seeking academic excellence, startup exposure, and access to a global innovation network.

These dynamic programmes prepare students not only for university but also for future careers in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. Subjects range from Business and Economics to Computer Science, Politics, and beyond — all complemented by real-world experience.