ALL successful entrepreneurs have to start small.

But there are 27 pupils at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy who are hoping to take inspiration from and match the success of the Dragon’s Den star by setting up their own business.

For some it is just to complete the requirements of the enterprise and entrepreneurship qualification, for others they hope the business will be a permanent success.

Course leader Paul Bates said: “We have got all sorts really, quite a few are looking at online businesses, and we have got some people doing clothing for a specific market.”

The would-be entrepreneurs started working on their businesses about four months ago, but Mr Bates said he could already see how much they had learnt.

He said: “Last year we got business advisors in who looked at their business cases and gave them feedback.

“They have been back in and have commented on the difference in the work they have produced.”

He estimated that up to 10 of the businesses set up by the pupils would go on to be successful.

He said: “A lot of it is down to the individual, and if they have the grit and the determination to work with a good idea they will do well.”

Di McEvoy-Robinson, director of training provider Aspire Achieve Advance Ltd, was on the panel of business advisors the students had to present to. She said: “The energy and innovation of young people to bring creative solutions to business ideas is what our economy can really benefit from.”

The pupils have to find their own funding, whether providing it themselves or attracting investors.

Jadie McDermott, 16, from Witney, who has set up a cake company, said: “It has been tough at times but it is actually very enjoyable.

“I did want to set up a business when I was a bit older but then I found this course so I thought why not learn now.”

Jadie will bake the fair trade, locally produced, homemade and organic cakes herself, and has received about £1,700 from her mother to invest in the business. She has approached six local retailers about selling her cakes and five expressed an interest.

Adam Frage-Gerges, 17, from Witney, who is behind a new Internet homepage, said: “To me the word entrepreneur is just a posh way of saying unemployed, but I think it is important to create your own job rather than rely on someone else to provide you with one. I would encourage others to do it.”