Celebrating the Power of Collaboration: Creative Portal Joins Speakers for Schools as a Social Mobility Partner

We are thrilled to announce an exciting and meaningful collaboration between two organisations that are deeply invested in shaping the futures of young people: Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools. This partnership, formalised with Creative Portal being recognised as an official Social Mobility Partner, signals a bold step forward in supporting young, aspiring creatives to unlock their potential in the creative industries.

About Speakers for Schools: Championing Opportunity and Inspiration
Speakers for Schools was founded in 2010 by journalist and broadcaster Robert Peston, with the goal of levelling the playing field for young people by providing them access to leading figures and opportunities that were previously out of reach. The organization works to inspire, educate, and equip young people from diverse backgrounds by connecting them with industry experts and high-profile speakers across various sectors. With a rich network of professionals and organisations, Speakers for Schools provides students with insights into a wide range of careers, from finance to arts, politics to technology.

Through work experience programs, inspiring talks, and career advice, Speakers for Schools aims to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. By collaborating with employers, schools, and colleges, the organisation has helped thousands of young people realize their potential and take tangible steps toward fulfilling their career ambitions.

Creative Portal: Empowering Aspiring Creatives
Creative Portal, an innovative online hub, is dedicated to showcasing the work of aspiring creatives who are serious about pursuing careers in the arts. By offering an accessible platform where emerging talent can build and promote their portfolios, Creative Portal provides a unique space for young people to connect with opportunities in the creative sector. Whether you're an artist, designer, writer, or filmmaker, Creative Portal serves as a springboard for showcasing your skills, getting noticed, and building a professional network.

As a free resource, Creative Portal allows users to demonstrate their work and engage with industry professionals, while offering invaluable insights into the world of freelancing and self-employment—two of the most common career pathways in the creative industries. This focus on practical skills and real-world experiences makes Creative Portal an ideal partner for initiatives that support young people in gaining the tools they need to succeed.

A Perfect Match: Why This Collaboration Matters
The partnership between Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools is more than just symbolic—it’s a powerful combination of vision and action. Both organisations share a commitment to empowering young people and creating pathways into industries that have traditionally been difficult to access.

One of the primary reasons this collaboration is such a good fit is the shared mission of increasing social mobility through education and opportunity. Speakers for Schools is committed to addressing the barriers young people face in accessing careers across sectors, and Creative Portal brings a wealth of experience in nurturing creative talent and connecting young people with meaningful opportunities in the arts. Together, they are building a bridge between education and employment, ensuring that the next generation of creatives has the tools, skills, and networks they need to thrive.

Recognising Creative Portal as a Social Mobility Partner
Creative Portal’s dedication to supporting young talent has not gone unnoticed. By becoming an official Social Mobility Partner of Speakers for Schools, Creative Portal joins an esteemed group of organizations recognized for their efforts to uplift young people and promote equal access to career opportunities. This partnership will be celebrated with digital badges for online use, as well as a certificate of recognition. Additionally, Creative Portal's logo will be featured on a new section of the Speakers for Schools website, dedicated to showcasing the incredible partners working to make a difference in young people's lives.

A Proven Track Record of Success
Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools have already collaborated over the past three years, delivering a range of highly successful programs. From insightful talks featuring professionals across the creative sector to tailored virtual work experiences, the partnership has made a tangible impact on the lives of countless students.

One of the standout elements of this collaboration is its focus on inclusivity. Not only have they integrated professionals from diverse creative backgrounds, but they have also ensured that students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are fully included and supported. This commitment to accessibility and diversity speaks to the values both organizations hold dear.

What’s Next? An Exciting Opportunity for Budding Creatives
As part of this ongoing partnership, Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools are set to host a three-day event designed to help young creatives take their first steps into the industry. Over the course of these jam-packed days, participants will work in teams, develop a project pitch, and connect with industry professionals who will share their expertise and experiences.

On Day 1, students will meet representatives from Creative Portal, who will introduce the project brief and explain how they are working to support emerging talent. Throughout the event, participants will hear from experts across a wide range of creative fields, learning about different career paths, gaining insights into freelancing and self-employment, and receiving practical advice on how to navigate the creative industries.

Not only will students have the chance to work on real-world projects and develop their pitching skills, but they will also be able to network with like-minded peers and industry professionals, all while gaining valuable experience working to deadlines and delivering results.

A Bright Future Ahead 
Last year’s collaboration was an overwhelming success, with students producing outstanding creative work and offering glowing feedback about their experience. Now, as we look ahead to the next round of programs, there is even more excitement about what’s to come. Both Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools are committed to continuing this vital work and helping even more young people launch their careers in the creative sector.

If you’re passionate about the arts and eager to take your first steps into the creative industries, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Join Creative Portal and Speakers for Schools on this exciting journey and discover the possibilities that 

For more information about Creative Portal and the incredible work they do, visit 
Creative Portal. Let's continue to break down barriers and build a brighter future for young creatives everywhere!

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MAKE SURE THE WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 3RD IS IN YOUR PLANNING DIARY. JOIN CREATIVE PORTAL AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS AT UK NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK 2025 FOR FIVE DAYS OF INSIGHTS INTO CAREERS IN THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL SECTOR