School students in Wells honed their entrepreneurial spirit, their competitive streaks and their cooking skills during a workshop with business experts.

School students in Wells honed their entrepreneurial spirit, their competitive streaks and their cooking skills during a workshop with business experts.

In a scene which could have been dreamt up in Alan Sugar's TV boardroom on The Apprentice, 70 pupils from Alderman Peel High School were pitched against each other to learn the basics of business.

Posing as competing catering companies, they were divided into groups to tender for a contract to supply a social club function.

They designed menus and served food before being judged on their ability to deliver a project on time and within budget - helped with some financial advice from bank professionals.

The activities were part of NatWest MoneySense for Schools, a national education programme aimed at developing business and financial skills among young people.

Citizenship teacher Gail Jefferson said: “This has been a great activity, which the young people have really enjoyed. It's very important that they gain basic money management skills and have the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial and creative abilities.”

Pupils were taught about the challenges of setting up and running a successful business, including the importance of planning and marketing.

Barbara Norris, regional MoneySense coach at NatWest, said: “We've had a fantastic time and I have been really impressed with the creativity and business acumen the young people have shown. The importance of financial capability for young people cannot be underestimated as it's essential that they are equipped with the skills and confidence required to make decisions in adult life.”