Pudsey Sixth Form College students crowned national winners in Scam Smart Challenge

Students from Pudsey Sixth Form College have been crowned winners of a finance challenge, delivered in partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The Scam Smart Challenge is a national financial education initiative designed to raise awareness of fraud and financial scams among young people; around 1,000 students across the region took part in the wider programme.

On behalf of the FCA, The Inspirational Learning Group visited Pudsey Sixth Form College, where students spent the day learning how scams operate, identifying vulnerable groups, and designing innovative products to educate, support and protect consumers. Students then presented their ideas and two Pudsey teams were selected to represent the college at the grand final in London.

Travelling to the FCA’s headquarters in Stratford, students presented their ideas – without digital resources – to a panel of FCA professionals. After progressing to the final stage, they delivered their pitch again in front of the full audience and judging panels, resulting in becoming overall winners.

Judith Fish, Head of Curriculum and Quality at Pudsey Sixth Form College said: “Participation in the Scam Smart Challenge was something we felt would be valuable for all of our students; it offered them the opportunity to think about finance and money management from a professional perspective as well as the importance of understanding their own finances.

“The event also supported our skill builder programme which is focused on developing confidence, communication, leadership, digital and presentation skills, all of which we know employers and universities value alongside academic achievements.

All the staff are so proud of our students. When we heard that they had won the whole campus was celebrating. We encourage our students to aim high and believe in themselves and this type of experience and affirmation of their abilities is a huge milestone for them and evidence of the quality we are building at Pudsey Sixth Form College.”

This national success highlights not only the talent and professionalism of Pudsey students, but the college’s commitment to developing real-world skills that prepare young people for university, employment and life beyond the classroom.