A DALES school is to play host to an enterprise academy which will deliver courses designed by Dragons Den star Peter Jones.

Wensleydale School and Sixth Form has become a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, which will allow youngsters to take part in business-led courses to learn first-hand the skills they may need for the world of work.

The academy, which will be part of the school’s new business and innovation centre, will guide youngsters through the tailored courses, developed by Peter Jones, in partnership with Pearson (Edexcel), the UK’s largest educational awarding body.

Mr Jones CBE said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce this opportunity for Wensleydale School and Sixth Form to host a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, and to help young people across the Dales develop the real-world business skills that will help them succeed in life.

"I believe all young people deserve a bright future and I started the Foundation with a clear goal – to improve young people’s lives. Good enterprise education is an essential element of this and should be part of all schools. We already run a number of successful enterprise programmes and offer high-quality qualifications, helping students fulfil their potential through a range of pioneering educational activities that encourage, educate and empower students, at all times championing enterprise.”

Julia Polley, Headteacher, added: “We are a school with huge ambition.

“We are delighted to announce that we are going to be a regional hub for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, meaning that we will be able to channel the spirit and the expertise of a Dragon from the BBC2 programme.

“We know that this will be a vital part of our Business and Innovation Centre and will help our Sixth Formers go on to become the business leaders and entrepreneurs that will drive the economy in the Dales. We are leaving no stone unturned in our quest to make Wensleydale School and Sixth Form the best possible platform for our students to go on and achieve and excel.”

She said the school had been enjoying strong results and had been praised by Ofsted.

An open day is being held on Thursday evening for year 5 and 6 pupils from the local area.

Year 11s are being encouraged to go to the school on Thursday, November 15 from 6pm to find out more about the sixth form, in conjunction with the Peter Jones Education Foundation.

For more information visit www.wensleydale.n-yorks.sch.uk