BUDDING young investors at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School are taking part in The London Institute of Banking and Finance Student Investor Challenge.

The contest consists of teams of four which are investing in FTSE 100, Small Cap 50 and ETFs in two portfolios.

They have £100,000 to invest in an active portfolio for day-to-day trades and £100,000 in a strategic account for long term investments (only 10 trades a month).

The winning team out of over 6,500 groups will win an all-expenses paid trip to New York as well as spending money.

A school spokesman said: “Last year we had one team make the semi-final which was a team called Supreme Leaders, consisting of Josh Holt, Josh Rogers, Ralph Pickup and Sam Donohue.

“They have struck gold again by making excellent long-term investments in British American Tobacco, Admiral Insurance Group and JD Sports.

“Overall they have made a 14 per cent return on their investment in three months.

“They currently sit in 100th place in the country in the strategic investment category and are in line to earn a spot in the semi-final.

“Our staff team is also performing well, at 78th overall in the country and 14th overall in the staff competition, with an excellent return on investment from Royal Mail Group and Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust.

“Good luck to the Supreme Leaders for their second attempt to crack the top 8 in the semi-finals and well done to all the participating teams.”

The school is progressing with its plans to transform the Sixth Form College accommodation into a more business-like suite of multi-use teaching and social spaces.

Architects have produced virtual reality presentations of what the spaces will be like with their vastly increased IT facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces.

Selected members of years 10, 11 and 12 are being asked to experience virtual reality tours, and their feedback will be used in the final detailed planning.

The school is also close to finalising the design for the canopy at the main entrance to the school, and hopes to be able to share architect impressions with parents in the near future.