The School for Social Entrepreneurs was founded by Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington, in 1997. The SSE approach, and belief, is that social change is people powered, and that the most valuable assets and resources we have are human ones. Dartington SSE is part of a network of nine schools for social entrepreneurs in the UK providing emerging social entrepreneurs with the knowledge, support, confidence and feedback that enables them to develop their idea into a sustainable organisation.

The school creates confident, creative and productive social entrepreneurs. These are people who run businesses that improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals, and thus change society for the better. Their organisations, established and developed whilst studying with us, will provide services to their communities, create paid and volunteer posts, influence public policy and inspire others.

Fellows are reaching nearly 900,000 beneficiaries per year. Fellows' organisations delivered at least £12m of social value to their beneficiaries in 2010. Organisations started by SSE Fellows are 40% more likely to survive for 5 years than other start up companies (66% vs 47%). 70% of their work is happening in the UKs most deprived areas. The total value of jobs created by fellows in 2010 is £13m.