Dragon's Den's Theo Paphitis returns to his old school

Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis returned to his old primary school in Islington to make a film about dyslexia for this Sunday's BBC Lifeline programme.

Theo, a former pupil of Ambler Primary School, said of his time there: "There is no question in my mind that Ambler Primary School played a big part in moulding my character and in turn, I suppose, made me the man I am today."

Theo's visit to the school was to film a Lifeline appeal for BIBIC (British Institute for Brain Injured Children), a charity that specialises in supporting children with learning disabilities. The straight-talking Dragon spoke from personal experience as he is dyslexic.

While he was at Ambler, Theo met all the classes and held a Q&A session with enterprising year 5 entrepreneurs who were pitching to run the school's new tuck shop.  The winning pitch will receive school start up funding to open and run the tuck shop next term, so Theo's brilliant advice helped the children think about and shape their pitches.

Year 5 pupil Fatimah said: "What I enjoyed about Mr Theo Paphitis coming to our school was the useful hints and tips he gave us especially about the problem with litter because we hadn't thought about that at all. He is a very inspiring, interesting man to meet."

Year 5 pupil Aidan said: 'When Theo came he gave us some great advice about how to set up a tuck shop and it was exciting when he was in our class with the BBC team."

Ambler head teacher Juliet Benis said: "He was absolutely lovely to everyone and he took the time to do a fantastic question and answer session with the year 5 pupils to help them develop their pitches to run the tuck shop.  He also officially opened our new flexible learning space which the children have named 'The Tech lounge."

Cllr Richard Watts, executive member for children and families said: "I am delighted to hear that Theo was so impressed by his visit to Ambler Primary School.

"As a dyslexic myself I am pleased to be able to say that Ambler, and indeed all our schools, do a great deal to support children with dyslexia and literacy difficulties."