Kenneth joined the programme following a difficult end to his secondary education. Having not completed Year 11, he arrived without any prior qualifications, despite tutors quickly recognising his ability and potential. With support from the Foundation of Light team, Kenneth began rebuilding his confidence and gradually became more engaged in lessons. He also developed a strong social group within his class and became a popular member of the programme.
His growing confidence was particularly evident when he took part in the Harrison Prize, an enterprise challenge designed to encourage learners to develop innovative business and technology ideas that solve real-world problems. Working alongside fellow student Taylan Turkmen-McKenna, Kenneth developed “Mindfull”, an app designed to support mental and physical wellbeing through self-improvement tools, personalised goal setting and wellbeing tracking.
The pair went beyond developing the initial concept, creating a prototype of the app and its website. During the final at the Beacon of Light, they used a QR code to give judges direct access to their creation as part of their presentation – a first for the Harrison Prize competition. Their combination of technical knowledge, innovation and confident presentation helped Kenneth and Taylan stand out from a strong field of five finalists and saw them crowned winners of the 2026 Harrison Prize. Each received an iPad in recognition of their achievement.
Daniel Harrison MBE, Trustee of the Harrison Foundation, said: “Kenneth’s progress demonstrates exactly why opportunities like the Harrison Prize matter. When we saw him and Taylan present at the final, their confidence, initiative and technical ability really stood out. “Winning the competition was a fantastic achievement, but it is even more encouraging to see the progress Kenneth has made throughout the year. He has shown what young people can achieve when their potential is recognised and they are given the support and opportunities to develop it. We wish him every success as he takes his next steps.”
Kenneth’s achievements have extended well beyond the competition. Alongside working on the Harrison Prize, he continued to focus on his studies and has achieved Level 2 English and Level 1 Maths, giving him GCSE-equivalent qualifications. He has also passed his Esports and Personal Growth courses and is awaiting the result of his Level 2 Maths qualification. Kenneth’s progress comes at a time when the educational divide between young people in different parts of the country remains significant. The latest A-level results underline that challenge. In London, 32.7% of entries were awarded an A or A*, compared with 23.1% in the North East. The 9.6 percentage-point difference is the largest gap between the two regions since the current grading system began in 2010.
While these figures relate to A-level attainment, they highlight a broader challenge around educational opportunity and outcomes in the North East. Addressing those inequalities is central to the Harrison Foundation’s commitment to improving social mobility and helping young people fulfil their potential. The Harrison Prize forms part of the wider work at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, which is delivered in partnership with the Foundation of Light. The programme combines education with practical opportunities focused on employability, enterprise and technology, helping young people develop skills that can support their progression into further education and employment.
Through this work and its wider partnerships, the Harrison Foundation is playing its part in helping to reduce barriers to opportunity, supporting young people to build the confidence, skills and educational foundations they need for their next steps. After a year spent rebuilding his educational foundations and developing his confidence, Kenneth is now considering a return to mainstream college as he works towards his ambition of pursuing a career in the IT industry. From arriving without qualifications to leaving with new skills, greater confidence and an award-winning technology idea, Kenneth’s journey shows the difference that recognising potential – and providing the opportunity to fulfil it – can make.