Junior Dragons’ Den

Dr Kershaw’s Junior Dragons’ Den is back. With support from local businesses, we are on the hunt for Oldham’s next young entrepreneur. More will be revealed soon!

Thank you to all our 2025 Junior Dragons’ Den participants who raised an incredible £1,363.19 for patient care!

Launched in May, the initiative invited schools to put forward teams of up to six pupils who were set a challenge to design an innovative gift, work out how to manufacture it, and write a business plan.

Each team pitched their idea to the Dragons in a bid to secure a £30 business start-up loan. Once successful, they got to work—sourcing materials, producing their product, launching marketing campaigns, and selling to their local communities.

Five teams took part, creating a brilliant range of goods sold in schools, at Fayres, and even at stalls in Spindles Shopping Centre. The creativity, enthusiasm and professionalism shown by every child was truly outstanding!

The Grand Final took place at Oldham Events Centre, where each team presented the outcomes of their project to a panel of Dragons: Katie Bennett, Centre Manager at Spindles Shopping Centre; Luke Summers, Managing Director at Northern Pest Management; Katie Greenwood & Katie Wainwright from DIODES; Stewart Ash, CFO at Pinnacle Learning Trust, Lorna Philip from Hathershaw College and Vicky Billington from Ingeus.

The Winning Teams
Best pitch -Medlock Valley Primary
Most innovative idea – Crompton Primary
Most profit – Burnley Brow

A huge thank you to all the schools and businesses who supported the competition.
Your involvement made a real difference, and we are so grateful for your support!

The children had a fantastic time and really grew in confidence. They pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, showed brilliant teamwork, and were thrilled to bring in the most sales. A valuable experience we’d definitely recommend to other schools.