As part of our ongoing Business Speaker Programme, we were delighted to welcome back Doug Main, Owner and Creative Director of The Bigger Boat, to speak with our A Level Business students.
Doug delivered an engaging and insightful presentation to more than 250 A1 Business students, coinciding with the completion of the marketing element of their course. This timely session provided an excellent opportunity for students to connect their academic studies with real-world business practice.
Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Doug shared examples of major campaigns led by The Bigger Boat and offered valuable insight into the strategic thinking behind successful marketing initiatives. He emphasised the importance of strong branding in building competitive advantage and achieving long-term business success, bringing to life many of the concepts students had recently explored in the classroom.
In addition to discussing campaign strategy and brand development, Doug outlined the diverse range of careers available within the marketing sector. From creative roles to data-driven and strategic positions, students gained a deeper understanding of the breadth of opportunities available to them in the industry.
The Business Speaker Programme aims to enhance students’ learning by providing direct access to experienced professionals and industry leaders. By sharing his expertise and professional journey, Doug helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, inspiring students as they continue their studies.
We are extremely grateful to Doug for generously giving his time and for his continued support of our students’ learning and development.
Greenhead College is celebrating another exceptional year of success in Oxbridge applications, with 14 students securing offers from the University of Oxford, alongside 12 offers from the University of Cambridge.
These outstanding outcomes reflect the ambition, commitment and academic excellence of Greenhead College students, supported by a comprehensive, well-established Oxbridge programme that guides students at every stage of the application process.
Commenting on the achievement, Mo Bunter, Principal of Greenhead College, said:
‘We are incredibly proud of all our students who have secured offers from both Oxford and Cambridge universities. These offers are a testament to the hard work and commitment they have given to their studies, alongside the development of their wider skills, resilience and independence through the cultural capital they experience whilst at Greenhead College.
Our Oxbridge programme supports students from their initial ambition to apply to either Oxford or Cambridge, through to after they have left the College. This support from a very experienced team of teachers, tutors and support staff ensures that students are given a wide range of opportunities to help them to achieve their full potential, placing them very competitively in the Oxbridge application process. We are very excited for their next steps in this process.’
The College’s Oxbridge Programme Lead, Richard Pember, also praised the students’ achievements:
‘Over decades, Greenhead students have built an outstanding, nationwide reputation for continuing their studies and flourishing at the very highest level. I’d like to congratulate them on behalf of all the staff at the College.’
Greenhead College’s Oxbridge programme provides tailored support, including specialist subject preparation, admissions test guidance, interview preparation and enrichment opportunities, ensuring students are fully equipped to compete at the highest level.
One student who has received an Oxford University offer, Rebecca, spoke about the support she received throughout the process:
‘The support I received throughout my application at Greenhead has been immense, from the very beginning of A1 through to A2 during the interview stages. Even early discussions helped shape my ambitions. Paul (Head of Modern Foreign Languages) has been an incredible source of support, hosting weekly sessions to prepare us for interviews, supporting admissions test preparation and helping with smaller queries along the way.
Applying for Oxbridge has not only boosted my academic confidence, but also my social confidence. It has created a small community of people who are genuinely passionate about their subjects, which has been inspiring. It’s been great to share and discuss that passion so enthusiastically.’
Greenhead College remains committed to widening access to the most competitive universities and to supporting students in realising their full potential, regardless of background.
