It is becoming a tradition for our outgoing Year 8s to enter the Dragons' Den during their leavers' programme, in a bid to pitch their business ideas to some of the sharpest minds in the Farleigh parent fraternity.

This year they formed 10 companies, each aiming to turn their creative ideas into business reality. Brimming with enthusiasm, supported by well researched facts and showing off their digital prowess with professionally designed websites, our pupils came up with a diverse range of products, from Farleigh tote bags using recycled materials to personalised skate gear and clothes rental companies.

Inevitably the competition was fierce but our young entrepreneurs gave a great account of themselves, working well in their teams and each figuring out how to play to their strengths. 

The final four teams selected to present to the panel of dragons (current parents Nigel Ashfield, Charlie Barlow, Bella Mackenzie and Annabel Rous) delivered polished pitches and products that impressed all involved. However, it was SimpleSports, the all-boy team made up of Jacobi B, Willoughby B, Arthur D and Charlie D, that won it with their clever cricket helmet badges and handle wraps. 

This is a perfect exercise for young people who are about to go out and pit themselves against a new series of challenges and we think they all aced it!