Our Mission

IRL is the collective effort of leading educators, industry experts, parents and students coming together to design engaging experiences which inform, inspire and equip young people with real world skills.

We're passionate about youth empowerment, education and the future, and aim to deliver meaningful experiences to young people everywhere.

Our story

Hannah Mitchell - UK Director

Hannah graduated with a BA Honours in Business and French from Newcastle University. After further study at Troyes Business School in France, Hannah began her working life in Paris, where she lived for ten years before moving to Sydney. She has over twelve years of experience in learning & development, accountancy and management and is now using her skills and experience to give teenagers the capabilities, opportunities and inspiration to create a life of their choosing. With her varied, cosmopolitan background Hannah knows a lot of the ‘real-world’ situations young adults are likely to be faced with.

Hannah became associated with IRL Education during her research into learning and development programs in Australia. Having now established IRL Education in the UK and, with her roots proudly in Fife, Hannah is thrilled to be able to share her international perspective in Scotland, where she is now based. 

Ben Middleton - Founder

IRL Education was created in Australia by Ben Middleton, led by his passion for education and his desire to address the gap of what was required to teach in school, and the skills needed to live happy, successful and balanced lives.

Ben has worked at the coalface of innovation and technology, from the development of Australia's first banking App to Artificial Intelligence in department stores. He’s experienced first hand the huge changes to the way we live and work which are just around the corner, together with the skills young people will need to succeed in the modern world. Ben’s currently studying Philosophy, bringing the best ideas and advice from around the world and through the ages into IRL’s courses.

Why 'IRL'?

IRL is an initialism often used by young people on social media for the phrase 'In Real Life'. From ordering food to booking a holiday, our modern world has become so online that young people often forget that the skills which lead to long term personal and professional success are still found in real life.

We like the name because it’s part of the digital jargon used by today’s young people, giving them a sense of ownership and familiarity that’s important to us too.