PUPILS from Braintree took part in an Apprentice-style business competition hosted by a private school.

A team from Tabor Academy scooped the tope prize after competing against Year 11 pupils from Alec Hunter Academy, St Mary’s School for Girls in Colchester and Gosfield School, where the event was held.

The day-long event was designed to encourage creativity and help them build communication, teamwork and time management skills.

Teams formed mini marketing consultancies, developing a marketing strategy for a camping-based body and laundry product before pitching their final ideas and budget to a panel of judges.

Steven Halstead, head of business and media studies at Tabor Academy, said: “I am really happy to have seen the young people of Tabor and the other schools flourish under the pressure today.

“The competition gave students a look into the future to business.

“It provided a fresh, active approach to business with hands-on activities."

The winning and second placed teams were awarded with Amazon vouchers and the winning school was awarded £100.