Pupil-Led Beekeeping Business: The Honey & Hive Project

 

Building a Buzz: The Story of Giggleswick Honey & Hive

At Giggleswick School, creating meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop beyond the classroom is at the heart of what we do. This year, a unique collaboration between pupils, staff, and alumni has brought something truly special to life: Giggleswick Honey & Hive  - a pupil-led, sustainable business that blends enterprise education with environmental stewardship.

A New Approach to School Enterprise

Mr Joshua Parker, Teacher and Business Enterprise CASE Leader, envisioned something different this year.

“Too often, pupil-led ventures are short-term,” says Mr Parker. “We wanted to develop something lasting, rooted in sustainability - and what better business to reflect our stunning natural setting than a beekeeping project?”

Instead of producing quick one-off products, pupils launched a real, sustainable business that will grow and evolve year after year, teaching vital enterprise skills while protecting biodiversity.

Learning by Doing

From early-stage planning to hands-on hive care, the project was an immersive experience that opened pupils’ eyes to the realities of running a business.

“I joined because I’m interested in running a business and thought it could help me in my Business BTEC,” says Logan. “Being the lead beekeeper was a challenge, especially the wait until we could finally get the bees!”

“I wanted to try building something real,” adds Dasha. “It’s surprising how complex bees are! Their world is so organised.”

In the first term, the focus was on laying the groundwork. Pupils tackled fundamental questions: What would the business look like? What would we need to get started? How do you care for bees responsibly? And which products could realistically be developed and sold? These discussions sparked thoughtful collaboration, in-depth research, and practical planning.

It quickly became clear that expert guidance would be essential, this wasn’t something we could achieve alone. Fortunately, the perfect mentor was just a few conversations away.

Meet the Mentor: The Yorkshire Beekeeper

At the heart of this school beekeeping project is a strong link to the past. Old Giggleswickian Matthew Bravery, founder of The Yorkshire Beekeeper, returned to support the next generation of enterprising pupils.

“What began as an engineering research project at university turned into a genuine passion for beekeeping,” Matt explains. “I now manage over 60 colonies across Yorkshire, producing raw honey, candles, and colonies for others - and it all started with a fascination for nature’s structure.”

Matthew’s business thrives on minimal processing and strong local identity.

“Each site has its own distinct flavour and texture,nothing like the mass-produced supermarket honey. My approach is: hive, extractor, jar. As natural as possible.”

Beyond producing high-quality honey, Matt mentors new beekeepers and runs market stalls across Yorkshire. His down-to-earth advice and hands-on support helped pupils move from planning to production with confidence.

“Matt’s involvement was transformative,” says Mr Parker. “His expertise gave our pupils real insight into what running a sustainable business looks like.”

From Hive to Jar

After months of planning and preparation, the project reached a major milestone in April with the arrival of the bees. Their introduction to the school grounds marked a turning point — transforming a concept into a living, buzzing reality.

“It made everything feel real,”

said Dasha, reflecting on the moment the bees arrived.

The first honey harvest is expected in the upcoming academic year, and the team is already thinking ahead. Pupils are developing ideas for new products, including beeswax candles and honey-infused lip balm  - practical, natural items they believe will appeal to a wide audience. There’s a strong sense of ownership and excitement about expanding the range, and the ambition to explore even more creative uses of their homegrown honey continues to grow.

A Lasting Legacy

The project has sparked big ambitions. Pupils hope to see Giggleswick Honey & Hive become a recognised brand in the local area  and perhaps beyond.

“I’m proud that we own the business and are the business,” says Logan. “I hope it becomes popular with parents and even more well-known across Settle.” Dasha adds:“We want to grow it, get more people involved, and launch new products.” 

It’s the beginning of a long-term platform that will grow year on year,  a living legacy that future pupils will inherit, build upon, and evolve. The foundations laid today are designed not just for success in the present, but for sustained impact across generations of Giggleswick pupils.

 

 

The Power of Alumni

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of Giggleswick’s alumni network - a testament to the lifelong connection between the school and those who once walked its halls. From expert mentorship to generous funding, this project represents what can happen when past pupils invest in the future of education.

Through the generous grant provided by Chris Waley and the committed involvement of alumnus Matthew Bravery, Giggleswick Honey & Hive has blossomed from a classroom idea into a living, learning enterprise. It stands as a shining example of how former pupils can leave a lasting mark by inspiring confidence and curiosity in the next generation.

The impact of alumni involvement extends far beyond business skills. It instils a sense of continuity  - a shared purpose that connects past, present, and future. Today’s pupils are not just launching a product; they are inheriting a legacy of opportunity and giving it new life.

“Giggleswick gave me so many opportunities,” says Matthew. “Don’t take it for granted. Make the most of every moment. This project proves what’s possible when that mindset is passed on.”

As Giggleswick Honey & Hive prepares for its first full season, the school community isn’t just celebrating a new business venture. It is championing a wider movement of creativity, collaboration, and care.