Gareth Southgate, Deborah Meaden and More Headline EE’s Learn Live Festival for Secondary Students

EE, the UK’s largest subscription business, has partnered with Micheal Ward and a stellar line-up of celebrities, influencers, and experts to launch EE Learn Live, the brand’s inaugural festival of learning designed to empower and inspire secondary school students. Popping up at 180 Strand in London on Thursday 15th February 11–16-year-olds and their guardians are invited to experience a programme of snackable lessons and hands on demos from best-in-class mentors.

EE Learn Live will feature a drama inspired Confidence Workout led by former BAFTA EE Rising Star Award winner, Micheal Ward. The session aims to demonstrate that drama classes aren’t just about acting; they can be a secret weapon to unlock confidence. The British actor, best known for his role as ‘Jamie’ in the hit series ‘Top Boy’, will encourage attendees to step into their unique talents, embrace the spotlight, and build the self-assurance to shine on and off the stage.

EE Learn Live offers a range of other sessions designed to spark curiosity and unlock the potential in everyone – from mastering strategic thinking with a pro gamer to equipping yourself with tips and tricks to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing:

• Gaming to grow, with Sidemen’s Tobi Brown, esports star Spencer (GIANTX) and presenter, YouTuber and gamer, Elz the Witch – discover how your gaming passion can turn into a set of valuable life skills
• Winning in life, with England’s men’s football manager Gareth Southgate and former English football player, Fara Williams – acquire essential emotional and social skills for future success through sports roles models
• Master wellbeing, with renowned nutritionist, Emily English and wellness and fitness expert and author Shakira Akabusi – gain skills to grow healthier and happier through actionable wellbeing techniques
• Confidence Workouts, with actor Micheal Ward and winners of the BAFTA Young Presenters Award 2023, Braydon Bent & Precious Assah - unlock the transformative potential of drama classes and confidence building, with quick and accessible exercises to help in your everyday life
• History of the future, with disabled content creator, Eliza Rain and founder of The Sole Supplier, George Sullivan, entrepreneur and TV personality, Deborah Meaden –​be empowered to grasp and influence the future

After the main stage sessions, guests will have the opportunity to engage further with some of the speakers, ask questions, and receive firsthand guidance from accomplished individuals who have already achieved success. ​EE tools, resources from the wellness app Calm- the leading app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation and the latest tech from partners including Meta and Samsung will also be showcased, offering complimentary supercharged snacks, mentor drop-ins and opportunities for content capture and selfies.

To cater to the various life and development stages of secondary students, the sessions at EE Learn Live will be tailored according to age during three different segments:

10am – 12:15pm: young teens (11–12-year-olds)

1:30pm – 3:45pm: mid-teens (13–14-year-olds)

4:15pm – 6:30pm: older teens (15–16-year-olds)

Participation is accessible to all, regardless of geographical location. Tickets for a 2-hour segment can be purchased through EE Learn, all ticket proceeds will be going to Home-Start*, a UK charity focused on equipping families with the necessary skills, confidence, and strength to nurture their children.

For those unable to attend in person, the festival will be live streamed on EE’s YouTube channel. Additionally, bite-sized episodes of skills content can be downloaded from EE LearnSmart.

EE Learn Live demonstrates EE’s commitment to being the UK’s most personal, customer-focused brand. The initiative provides secondary school students the chance to discover a myriad of online tools and support systems while igniting their passions. For parents, it provides insights into maximising the potential of online learning, particularly in the lead-up to exams and the end of the term.