Stories

Thu, 21 May 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 The young people rejecting a bank-breaking prom

Teenage entrepreneurs at Huntington School change the way pupils shop for a prom dress.

* A social enterprise called Dress 2 Impress was set up by business students at Huntington School in York, where pupils can hire a prom dress and suit for £45 and £25 respectively.
* The suits and dresses were donated from prom dress shops that are closing down, businesses, or individuals who have worn them once.
* Students from low-income families who qualify for free school meals can hire an outfit for free.
* The boutique offers a range of styles and sizes, and shoppers are booked in for private appointments with student "prom consultants".
* The initiative aims to reduce the financial pressure on students to buy expensive prom outfits, which can cost up to £650.
* The project has been successful, with some students even crying tears of joy when they found their perfect dress.
* The school's business and economics teacher is "incredibly proud" of the work done by the students.