These 11 young entrepreneurs are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones after being enrolled into his new academy.

The youngsters are the first to join the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy launched by Havering College of Further and Higher Education.

They will be studying a course leading to a BTEC level three qualification in enterprise and entrepreneurship, which includes real-life business challenges as well as running their own micro businesses.

Curriculum manager Maxine Halford said: “We are really excited by the calibre of our first group of Peter Jones Enterprise Academy students. They are all very ambitious, very motivated and many already have successful fledgling businesses.”

Students at the academy in Brentvvood who successfully complete the one year course – which is equivalent to two A-levels – will be invited to a national graduation ceremony attended by Mr Jones.

They will also have the chance to apply to be National Entrepreneur of the Year when they could secure a position representing the Peter Jones Foundation alongside Mr Jones himself.

Sharné Mahoney, 18, who previously studied fashion at Havering College, designs, makes and sells jewellery and clothes and is launching a website.

She said: “I am really excited and look forward to life of being self employed and hopefully a successful entrepreneur.”

Fellow student Chidozie Toplis, 18, is combining his passion for filmmaking with his business ambitions.

Chidozie said: “My hopes for the future are to own and run one of the UK’s largest media organisations.”

The college is looking to the business community to share their expertise with the young entrepreneurs.

If you would like your business to get involved you can contact Havering College of Further and Higher Education’s Enterprise Hub co-ordinator Laura Trapp on 01708 455 011 ext 2030 or email ltrapp@havering-college.ac.uk