Business magnate Sir Richard Branson has highlighted Newport Primary School’s entrepreneurial projects on his online blog.
Mr Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said he loved reading about the story of how the children had turned a £5 investment into profit through creative enterprise. Newport Primary has been involved in the ‘Make £5 Grow’ programme since 2020. Pupils are lent £5 and in teams develop a business idea to make their £5 grow, aimed at igniting their entrepreneurial spirit. On his blog, Mr Branson talks about why entrepreneurship should be taught in schools.
He said: “I loved reading one story from Newport Primary School in England, who have participated in the programme since 2020. Their involvement began when a planned school trip to Northumberland was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. In response, the school set up a school camp-out, which grew into a larger entrepreneurial project. The students have since experimented with various business ideas, including car washing, homemade sweet treats, ice creams, making arts, crafts, and jewellery. “The funds raised from these ventures contributed to a Mini Festival for the students, featuring a silent disco, DJ, ice cream van, pizza trailer, stuntman performances, popcorn machines, and inflatables for the entire school to enjoy. Additionally, the money has been used to purchase scripts and music for the end-of-year school production. This project has not only provided fun and excitement but also fostered a sense of responsibility and teamwork among the students.”
The school started with 30 ambitious pupils, and the project has now grown into a whole-school project, with 240 children having taken part over the years. Each pupil is given £5 of funding and their challenge is to transform that investment into profit. The children have risen to the challenge creating products from homemade jewellery and artisan soaps to delicious bakes, candy floss, ice creams, and breakfast tuck shops. Products were carefully designed, made, marketed, and sold — with children taking full ownership of each step, learning valuable lessons in teamwork, money management, and resilience along the way. One year six pupil said: “The best part was seeing people love what we made!” Another added: “It felt amazing to be in charge of our own little business. We learned so much and had loads of fun.” Newport Primary School headteacher Debby O’Connell said: “The children have always really enjoyed getting involved in Make £5 Grow, and we see its value in teaching children entrepreneurial skills. Each afternoon, the playground buzzed with energy as stalls lined up to tempt customers. “Children beamed with pride at their success — all while raising funds to support their school. “The project has not only empowered children with entrepreneurial skills but has also planted the seeds of confidence, creativity, and community-mindedness that will serve them far beyond their school years.” (26-6-133 SU)