Keydates.

Every date, in order.

• Mon 21 SepPilot event

  Lecture Theatre, 13:15–14:00

  Lunchtime session, 45 minutes. Food handed out on the way in. A short talk covering what the Award is, the M1–R1–M2–R2 format, the rules and the judging matrix, then questions — with sweets for anyone who asks one. Sign up on the way in if you have not already.

• TBCMasterclass 1

  Lecture Theatre, during school — open to all entrants

  Forty‑five minutes: thirty presenting, then fifteen going round the room answering questions. Popcorn provided. Sign‑up only. Date to be confirmed.

• TBCRound 1 due

  Written submission

  An original business idea with the model set out in an essay or document. Marked on creativity, feasibility and profitability against the scheme in the Award folder. Deadline to be confirmed.

• TBCResults

  The top ten announced

  Ten teams go through to the finals. Everyone who entered is told either way.

• TBCMasterclass 2

  Lecture Theatre — finalists only

  Same format, for the ten teams through to round two: how to build and deliver the pitch. Date to be confirmed.

• Wed 18 NovSlides due

  Two days before the finals

  Any team using slides sends them in as a PDF. Once they are in, they are locked — no changes on the night. Using slides at all is optional.

• Fri 20 NovBefore the finals

  Practice slots in the PAC

  During activities and at lunchtime, each finalist team gets a 10‑minute slot to practise pitching on the actual stage. Take it.

• Fri 20 NovThe finals

  The PAC, after school — arrive 16:10

  Roughly three hours, finishing about 19:20. Full running order below. Open to families and the school.

The finals, minute by minute.

Friday 20 November in the PAC. Teams pick their pitching order by their round‑one ranking, so a strong written round buys you the slot you want.

• 16:10

  Teams arrive for a quick briefing and pick their positions, best round‑one ranking first.

• 16:20

  Start. Ten‑minute introduction and the judges are introduced.

• 16:30

  First five pitches. Each is 5 minutes presenting, 5 minutes of questions, with 3 minutes to change over — 13 minutes a team.

• 17:35

  Ten‑minute break in the PAC foyer. Refreshments, and a chance to talk to the judges.

• 17:45

  Final five pitches, same format.

• 18:50

  Twenty‑minute break while the judges decide.

• 19:10

  Final rankings and prizes. We also ask for feedback on the competition, and hand round a form for anyone who wants to help run it next year.

• 19:20

  Finish. Winners and runners‑up stay a little longer for photographs with the judges and Mr Elliot.