Each year, several Lower Sixth boys take an Elective called LEAD, in which they are challenged to find solutions to real-world business problems.

Run in collaboration with The LEAD Curriculum, which aims to bridge the gap from school and the workplace, the Elective helps boys to develop and  apply personal and leadership skills. Small groups are set tasks by businesses including Lloyds TSB, IBM or Sky, with a final presentation at the end of the Elective to industry experts. Each group also has regular access to a business mentor during the process, and is given workshops or masterclasses by professionals. 

This year, IBM set two groups of Harrovians the task of improving social inequality using blockchain technology. The boys presented their solutions on peer-to-peer microfinance and education to a panel of judges, who were impressed with the thoughtfulness of their ideas, their teamwork and their confident presentation skills. The boys, in turn, learnt the importance of empathy, teamworking and communication skills, as well as the value of feedback. They also developed a professional approach to planning and running meetings.