Teenagers took part in a Dragons’ Den-style competition on Monday as part of a scheme to prepare East End children for the world of work.

Around 40 students from year 11 at Langdon Park School, Poplar, worked with volunteers from financial services company Citigroup to design board games. The day was organised through the charity Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership (THEBP), which arranges volunteers from the world of business to help young people with enterprise skills.

The students presented their games to a panel including representatives from Citigroup and THEBP.

The winning game was Singers Boutique. Team member Jouma explained: “Each player represents a record company and you can buy or sell a singer. If you land on a singer owned by someone else, you pay a fee.”

THEBP spokesperson Roberta Pearce said: “Business is one of a number of ‘soft skills’ that employers often say they want.

“It’s not just about getting jobs but about giving children the skills they need to make responsible decisions.”