Summer School

We know fresh minds bring fresh creativity. So every summer, we open our doors to school students from all backgrounds, especially those who might not have thought about advertising as a career and give them the chance to see what the industry's really like, first-hand.

They team up, tackle a brief (usually on something they care about), and get hands-on experience with every department at isobel. We even bring in some big names for our judging panel, like the Deputy Mayor of London and top bods from Snapchat, CNBC, Sport England, and more. It all wraps up with a pitch showdown, in front of the entire agency.

It's a blast, a chance for us to learn a thing or two, and most importantly, it's our way of opening up advertising’s doors. Because when different interesting minds come together, different interesting things happen.

Here's a few words from over the years:

"What an amazing opportunity isobel offers for young creatives. I have been involved for several years and students absolutely love their time working with the agency staff and students from other schools and colleges. It is great for me to see our students shine in a different setting and the confidence that they show in their pitches after a week at isobel. I believe that this experience has a lasting effect on the young people." - Jamie Rogers, Teacher at Charter East Dulwich

“Being on this program was truly inspiring, this enabled me to learn in different ways and levels.” - Aaliyah, Chelsea Academy

“The creative industry is one of our major exports, it’s what London is known for it’s vibrancy, it’s innovation, and we know that Londoners have that creativity in spades. So it’s important that businesses use that local talent that we have here, because it will benefit both. Business will get the best talent and our young people have the chance for exciting careers and to meet their full potential.” - Deputy Mayor of London

“It was a privilege to join the isobel team to help judge Summer School. It’s a wonderful programme which gives the students a real flavour of working in a creative agency. I was impressed by the thought and creativity the students put into their pitches, as well as the time, warmth, and commitment to the programme from the whole team at isobel.” - Cherie Nelson, Urban Outfitters

“I have just been stopped by a student who came on the work experience week. I did not recognise her! She looked very confident and told me that it was the best week ever. Thank you for giving her such a fabulous opportunity.” - Teacher at Quintin Kynaston Academy

“This is absolutely my favourite week at isobel, without fail, every year. The industry’s got a lot of work to do, and young people have so much to give. They learn, we learn, and it gives so much more meaning to what we do as an agency and a wider industry collective.” - Paige Warnes, isobel Senior Marketing Manager

“I really had an amazing time and I feel like I can benefit from this work experience since I learnt many new skills that are important for the future. And I really enjoyed meeting/working with new people.” - Rania, Chelsea Academy

"Lola had the best time and enjoyed everything about it. Lola has struggled a lot with her grief and anxiety recently and everyone at isobel made her feel so welcome. It was so lovely to start to see her confidence and hope return. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!” - Lola’s Mum