Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Dragon will help students to achieve business dream
TV dragon Peter Jones is launching Kent’s first business school for young entrepreneurs at a city secondary school.
The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, founded by the star of BBC’S Dragon’s Den, is opening at the Canterbury Academy.
It will give ambitious pupils aged 16 to 19 help getting their ideas for starting a company off the ground.
Youngsters can enrol onto business-led BTEC courses run through the academy, which operate at 12 schools and colleges across the country.
The one or two-year courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship are written by Mr Jones in partnership with education awards body, Pearson.
The courses prepare students for an entrepreneurial career, whether they plan to set up their own business or help an established business to grow.
They involve attending business masterclasses, competing in challenges, carrying out work placements and learning how to improve networking skills.
Pupils will also work with companies and entrepreneurs who will provide leadership and hands-on business experience.
The school’s executive principal, Phil Karnavas, said: “Canterbury Academy is delighted
‘We prepare young people for a 21st century workplace though our learning by doing approach’
to form an association with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy – and to be the first in Kent to do so.
“We firmly believe that each and every one of our students possesses a unique talent, whether it is academic, sporting, the performing arts, or business.
“The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy will bring out the business abilities of our students giv- ing them the best platform to start their own enterprise.”
Mr Jones said: “We prepare young people for a 21st century workplace though our ‘learning by doing’ approach.
“That ensures our students are equipped with practical business skills which will serve them whether they go on to join a large firm, help to accelerate the growth of a small business, head off to university or decide to start their own company.
“I am delighted to be involved in this exciting partnership with Canterbury Academy, launching an enterprise academy for sixthform pupils and exploring other opportunities to enable enterprise across the school.”
The school is hosting an open evening at 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 8.