YOUNGSTERS from three York primary schools put their entrepreneurial skills to the test in a Dragons’ Den-style competition.

Pupils from Headlands, Rufforth and Yearsley Grove primary schools were set the challenge to plan and host profitable pop-up cafés next month at their schools using a small business loan of up to £150 each, donated by City of York Council’s Learning City York initiative.

They were supported in their budgeting, pricing and marketing skills by students and the commercial services team at the University of York, through a series of sessions delivered in the schools.

As part of the challenge, run by employee-volunteering charity York Cares, the pupils had to present their plans to a panel of representatives from the commercial services team and Julia Massey, Learning City York partnership manager, after which they were presented with their loans.

Ms Massey said: “Taking part in enterprise education at school is a great way to develop key practical life and work skills in a fun and exciting way.

“Not only are the pupils learning about budgeting and money management, but they are also working as a team to come up with ideas and make things happen.

“This type of activity in education doubles the likelihood of a person starting a business, showing that entrepreneurs really can be made with the right support and encouragement.”

The project is part of a new enterprise module for York Children’s University which is led and managed by York Cares.

The scheme seeks to inspire children, aged seven to 14, and brings together schools, businesses, universities, museums, libraries, sports and music clubs, outdoor activities and other organisations to offer youngsters opportunities to link real life with learning.