A PROJECT is underway to help hundreds of schoolchildren in Thanet develop vital business skills.

Businesses and the community are working closely with St George’s Church of England Foundation School at Broadstairs to ensure benefits from a Government-backed initiative are far-reaching and cross educational, social and commercial boundaries.

Central to the success of the venture is the development of the school as a centre of excellence for business and enterprise under the specialist school status project by the Department of Education and Skills.

Head teacher Keith Rumblo said: “This is an exciting challenge for our school and is very important for the economic future of our children and of the area in general. We have the chance to really develop the business skills of our students -- it will help prepare them for life in the business world and is an excellent platform on which to build their careers.”

Mr Rumblo said that St George’s will work closely with other schools and businesses to share the expertise gained and believes it is a “golden opportunity” to enhance the employability of young people as well as giving business the chance to take on young employees already familiar with the world of commerce.

“The Business and Enterprise specialist status will be absorbed across our curriculum and enable use to offer broader educational opportunities, with students becoming more creative and innovative, develop their initiative and flexibility, and make them more self-reliant and responsible.

“Specialist facilities and resources we develop will be shared; courses will run for business and the community; and we will address the critical issue of social inclusion.

“Thanet has a large part to play in the economic regeneration of East Kent. This type of education and business link is a cornerstone to realising our full potential.”

The project was launched at Kent Innovation Centre, Broadstairs, when hundreds of business representatives were invited to find out more information.

Anne McNulty, East Kent Education Business Partnership manager, said it is critical to get as much support as possible for the funding bid.

She said: “Business can help in a variety of ways and it is important for them to realise they will benefit greatly from the improved skills that the scheme will generate.

“Every school that has been granted specialist status has seen an increased attainment level of its pupils in the first year of operation.”

*The Department for Education and Skills fund the specialist status initiative with a capital grant of £100,000 once the school has raised £50,000 in sponsorship. The DFES will then provide an annual grant of £123,000 per year for four years.