Start a real business.
While you’re still at school.
An entrepreneurship programme for high school students: practical, real-world skills, taught by mentors and guest speakers who have built businesses themselves.
A mentor of your own A programme with a track record.
The best school programme a student can take. You are given the space to try, fail, learn, and try again.
There’s nothing quite like Openground out there. It supports students to launch a legitimate business from the ground up.
The one skill I developed the most is my entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve really shifted my thinking about what you need as a founder to make it happen.
The year
Idea to income, in four terms.
- Learn the fundamentalsHow business actually works. Finish with an idea worth chasing.
- Meet your mentor. Make your first sale.Paired with a real operator, then take it to market.
- Grow it. Hear from guest speakers.More customers, more revenue, and operators on stage who have done it before.
- Show itShowcase what you have built over the year, then prize giving. Parents welcome.
The office
Your office is a real one.
Year 12 sessions run after school at the B:HIVE, Smales Farm: a working building full of working founders. You build your company two minutes from your customers.
Monday to Thursday, 3:30 to 5pm.
Success stories
They started here.
Filmed at the Alumni Catch-Up, October 2025.
New for 2027
One cohort. Four schools. One building.
For the first time, Openground opens beyond Westlake Boys. Year 12 students from four schools build together at the B:HIVE.
Westlake Boys High School
Westlake Girls High School
Rosmini College
Carmel College
Year 12 is year one of a two-year pathway. Year 13 continues at Westlake in 2027, with details announced during the year.
Want your school to get involved? Get in touch →
2027 intake
Ready to build something real?
Students, mentors, speakers, supporters: find out how you can get involved.
Get involved →