YOUNG people looking to become the next Alan Sugar or Karen Brady can get a helping hand at a soon to open business academy.

Thorpe School in Wakering Road, Southend, is to launch a Young Business Academy from September offering vocational courses with a strong influence on getting year 12 and 13 students prepared for the working world.

BTEC business studies and level two qualifications in English, maths and marketing will be on offer alongside opportunities to gain valuable experience in the workplace.

Headteacher Andrew Hampton said he wanted to prepare children aged 16 and over for the working world and that the academy would offer a blend of academic and accredited vocational courses.

He said: “It will help students prepare for the world of work with things like interview techniques and CV tips. It maximises their opportunities to get a job when they leave the academy.”

The private academy has 16 places available for the new school year in September with the low numbers enabling students to have courses tabled to their individual needs.

Jo Abbott, marketing officer at Thorpe Hall, said: ”The problem with state school classes is that the classes are so much bigger. Our unique selling point is that the classes here are smaller so we can offer more of a bespoke learning opportunity.

The new academy will also offer scholarships to young people in Year 11 who have the “drive and energy to make the most of this new innovative opportunity”.

Mr Hampton believes this approach to education will enable people to create jobs for themselves and help revive the economy.

He added: “We feel that in a small way, it’s [the academy] for the British economy, and the need to season an entrepreneurial business economy.”

The academy has already had enquiries and is encouraging anyone interested to contact them on 01702 582340.