A primary school in Watford is trialling an education programme aimed at teaching pupils as young as seven how they could be the next Richard Branson or Anita Roddick.

Stanborough Primary School in Appletree Walk has been using the Ultra Education programme since November 2015.

The programme was created by entrepreneurs and teachers and links entrepreneurial skills to core academic subjects such as English, maths and science.

Pupils then learn important business lessons such as how to set up a new business or service, understanding profit and loss, why you need strong communication skills and the social impact of setting up your own company.

Year 6 teacher Tiann Madden said she is pleased with the results so far.

She said: “Since undertaking the Ultra Education programme, the children now know what it means to be an entrepreneur.

“The programme has also taught the kids how to work as a team, to take leadership and to understand the value of money.

“I have also noticed that the programme has increased their confidence and boosted their self-esteem.

“One of my pupils has even set up a sweet shop with his dad and sells to all his friends. He has made £20 so far but everyone has to start somewhere.”

Mrs Madden believes that entrepreneurship should be woven into the curriculum.

She added: “The Ultra Education programme teaches children to have an entrepreneurial mindset, which in turn will help young people to succeed whether they go onto pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or whether they choose to become an entrepreneur themselves later on in life.

“Given the experience we have had with Ultra Education, we would definitely recommend this programme to other schools.”

Julian Hall, the founder of Ultra Education, said: “For a decade business leaders such as Richard Branson have been calling for entrepreneurship to be taught in school and yet today it’s a subject that remains on the fringes.

"We are thrilled schools are taking matters into their own hands with this programme and we hope the results will encourage other schools to do the same.”

Twelve other schools in the UK are trialling the programme.