Congratulations to our Y12 students who are celebrating an outstanding achievement after a WHS team secured the runner-up position in the prestigious GAIN Schools Investment Challenge, a nationwide competition involving more than 1,000 participants.
Wimbledon High School’s success did not stop there, with a second team also achieving a top-10 finish, placing sixth overall.
Richard Finch, Head of Economics, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ success in the GAIN Stock Pitch Challenge — a nationally recognised competition that provides invaluable real-world investment experience and exposure to industry professionals. Having one team finish as runners-up and another place in the top ten is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength, dedication, and talent of our students.”
The competition, designed for students in Y10 to 13, offers a unique introduction to the world of finance by challenging teams to analyse companies and present investment recommendations. Participants work alongside industry mentors, developing skills in research, teamwork and financial analysis.
The GAIN Schools Investment Challenge runs over several weeks and includes a structured programme of mentoring sessions led by industry professionals. Students learn how to analyse companies, understand financial fundamentals, assess risks and develop investment strategies before presenting their final recommendations.
Participant Sarah I, working alongside Emma T, Emily D, Olivia L and Rheeya S said:
“The skills and practical experience that we gained from the competition are invaluable. Not only did it enhance our fundamental understanding of the financial world, but it also strengthened our collaborative skills and responsibility. Being able to work cohesively in a team is beneficial for every career in any industry. Getting the chance to actually apply financial knowledge is quite rare, yet immensely exciting – as we discovered! Through even taking part in this competition, we are more prepared for the world of work, and university, as we have a greater understanding of stock markets, valuation, and also risk management. In particular, this opportunity was significant because it allowed us to prove that girls ARE investors, and that despite the message from the financial sector to the contrary, our successful participation in this competition shows that we are readily equipped to lead the industry.”