St Richard's star Apprentices

Three pupils were then selected by their team mates to be interviewed by a panel of teacher judges who decided on who would be the overall "Apprentice" winner.

The candidates were divided up into groups of six containing one pupil from each school. Each team then competed against each other in three challenge tasks.

The first task involved setting up an event aimed at year 7.

The winning team set up a mini-cinema which attracted the largest audience. The second task was to buy items located around the school and then sell them.The winning team was the one with the most money left over. The third task was to re-brand a well known product. The winning team designed a new brand of cereal.

India Landy, a year 7 pupil at St. Richard's, was chosen by her team to face the adult selection panel for a formal interview task.

She was up against two other pupils who came from Beacon School and Hailsham Community College.

India was delighted to come joint second and win a prize of 20. On describing her experience, she said: "I was extremely happy when I was chosen by my team and even happier when I got picked to be in the final three of which I was the only girl. I really enjoyed the day and I'd definitely do it again if the opportunity came up."

Connor Durkin, a year 8 pupils at St. Richard's, also experienced success during the day when his team collected the "Team Award."

He said: "My favourite challenge was the buying and selling task. It was great fun."

All the pupils involved had a great experience and were congratulated on being great ambassadors for their schools.