A SCHOOL has been praised for instilling an entrepreneurial culture in its students, to raise standards and promote a "can do" attitude.

Sunnydale Comprehensive School, Shildon, is strengthening links with the National Foundation for the Teaching of Entrepreneurship (NFTE), following its success in the BBC's Big Zipper competition in April.

The school is initiating a three-phase plan leading to the creation of an entrepreneurship centre on the site of the local community learning centre, when funding for the community centre on the site ends next March.

This involves guiding pupils through a two-year NFTE course, hosting an annual week-long NFTE BizCamp, involving the County Durham Education Business Partnership, for other schools in the area, and eventually seeking to set up the entrepreneurial centre.

The new centre would offer a variety of vocational training, as well as developing an entrepreneurial culture which would help rising stars identify business opportunities and develop innovative ideas of their own.

Sunnydale's deputy headteacher, John Sewell, said: "We have taken it upon ourselves to develop an entrepreneurial culture here, not just for our pupils, but for the Shildon community as a whole, in an area which has suffered more than most in recent times.

"The NFTE course focuses on how to start a business, and we have had more than 80 year ten students complete it over the past academic year. They are beginning to realise they have a great chance to equip themselves with the skills, awareness and flexibility they will need when they enter the workplace. It has giving them much-needed confidence."

A team of seven pupils has established the school's second viable, sustainable and profitable business, selling stationery. Clock-making and T-shirt design ventures are also showing early signs of success.

Rob Hudson, vice-chairman of the North-East Chamber of Commerce's education, training and development committee, said: "Working with the North- East Chamber of Commerce to address training and education needs in the region is always an exciting challenge, but I've been bowled over by the enthusiasm of Sunnydale and their drive to improve themselves."