FUTURE financial wizards from a Darlington school were given the chance to demonstrate their skills to an industry expert from the Bank of England

The bank's chief economist, Andy Haldane, visited Hummersknott Academy during term-time with Year 10 pupils presenting him with their ideas for a financial services app, designed to be used by people they know.

Part of a joint Foundation for Jobs and Nationwide Building Society enterprise project, the challenge tested a number of skills including team work, developing ideas, presentation skills and marketing.

Alongside listening to the presentations, Mr Haldane met students from the Academy’s Year 11 and BTEC Business Studies classes to answer their questions about the economy.

Caroline Tindale, careers lead at Hummersknott Academy, said: “Our pupils have had a fantastic time presenting to such a prestigious guest and having the chance to meet and chat through their ideas and learn from him.

“This challenge has offered them the chance to learn new skills which we hope will equip them for the world of work and, through meeting Andy, inspire them to realise their dreams and believe that they can go on to achieve great things in their chosen careers.”

Named by Times Magazine in 2014 as among the top 100 most influential people in the world, Mr Haldane was educated near Leeds and has worked for the Bank of England since 1989.

He is a published author and is also involved in charitable work which aims to persuade economists to donate their time and expertise to help charities. He is also a trustee of the independent charity National Numeracy.

Mr Haldane praised the presentations delivered by the school's students.

He said: “There was an energy of purpose from the young people speaking, who presented such good work.

“Young people today are probably looking at a 60-year career during which they may be changing job and career three or four times.

"I think understanding of the economy and finance is absolutely essential for the everyday decisions they will make about jobs, how much to save, how much to borrow.

“The Bank of England is starting a big push this year to get into at least 200 schools across the UK. We are trying to make economics and finance something that doesn’t feel remote but part of the practicality of making those everyday decisions.”

The Foundation for Jobs initiative is part of the One Darlington partnership and aims to give youngsters a better chance of finding work by developing links between schools, colleges and universities.