College students told a government minister about their plans for social enterprises when he visited their school today.

Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove visited pupils at Harrow College today to discuss their studies and a new social enterprise project called InspirEngage.

Harrow is one of only two colleges in the country to launch the initiative, which encourages students to start businesses that will give back to the community.

Mr Gove said: “I am very impressed with all the students here. They are all incredibly bright and intelligent.

“It has been lovely to talk to them about their education choices and its clear to me they have all thought carefully about what courses to take in order to move forward.

“I think the social enterprise aspect is very interesting. It is a great chance for pupils to give back to the community and it will prepare for the working world.”

Mr Gove was joined by Harrow East MP Bob Blackman and Conservative candidate for Harrow West Hannah David.

He met students with learning difficulties who run their own shop on the Harrow Weald Campus.

College principal Tony Medhurst said: “As a college we have been doing charity work for a number of years but a social enterprise make students think from a business point of view.

“It’s great for the college and its great for the students because it gets them out in the community and shows people that young people can be a benefit to their area.”

InspirEngage is the idea of Melody Hossaini, former contestant on television programme The Apprentice, and aims to give students key life skills.

Over the coming year will students will be encouraged to create their own business to give back to the community.