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Two Year 12 Business students at Westminster City School, Paula and Alexandra, have spent the past term bringing their own baking business to life as part of an exclusive programme run in partnership with the Peter Jones Foundation.

This incredible opportunity was introduced to Year 12 Business students at the start of the academic year through a dedicated workshop. The programme is designed to support young entrepreneurs by providing start-up funding, guidance and practical experience, without students needing to use their own money to get started.

To take part, students submitted a detailed business plan, including their concept, logo, start-up costs, predicted profits, and a video pitching their idea and target market. Paula and Alexandra discovered a shared passion for baking and decided to collaborate, launching their business, 'AP Baked It'.

Paula reflected on the experience, saying:

“I was initially inexperienced with baking, but this project allowed me to develop new skills. The Peter Jones Foundation also funded our Level 2 Health and Safety certification, which meant we could operate safely and professionally. We carried out product testing and market research to make sure there was demand before we officially launched.”

Over the 11-week competition, both students navigated the challenges of time management, calculating unit costs, and adjusting to unexpected hurdles. Through it all, they learned how to manage finances, refine processes, and work effectively to meet the necessary deadlines.

Alexandra added:

“I’ve always loved baking, and this was the perfect way to turn that passion into something profitable. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence, especially when promoting the business to customers.”

On Thursday 15 January, Paula and Alexandra were invited to an interview on-site at Westminster City School with representatives from the Peter Jones Foundation and funders of the programme. They discussed their journey, achievements, use of social media, future plans, and how they overcame challenges along the way.

Both students spoke about the skills they have gained along the way. Paula noted improvements in communication, time management and understanding the realities of entrepreneurship, while Alexandra spoke about increased confidence and learning the behind-the-scenes work required to run a successful business.

Looking ahead, they plan to expand their product range by experimenting with new flavours and recipes to appeal to a wider audience. They are also hoping to be selected for the programme’s awards ceremony, which invites the top two businesses from each key stage. When asked about what the award ceremony would mean to them, Alexandra, said:

“Being invited to the awards would be a dream come true. It would be a chance to celebrate all the hard work we’ve put in over the past 11 weeks and see how far we’ve come.”

Congratulations to Paula and Alexandra on their achievements. Bringing their A Level Business learning to life and seeing a business operate from start to finish is an invaluable experience. Thanks also to Mr Chaffey, Faculty Leader of Enterprise, for introducing such opportunities to students.