The Growing Future Assets contest, which encourages young women to consider a career in the world of investment management, has attracted record entries this year but a team from the school has already beaten off stiff competition to be in the running for a top spot
The teenagers are contesting the junior 14-16 -year category and will make their final pitch to judges this month, battling it out with teams from across the country.
They will have to show their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a lucrative long-term bet.
They got help from mentoring by investment management professionals at Ruffer and teachers.
Judges faced a tough task whittling down the shortlist from 144 teams.
The finalists have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch video and will deliver an extended pitch to judges in a live final on March 9 with the winners announced the next day.
The top senior school will get £1,000 and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member while the best junior school team will get £800 and £150-worth of vouchers each.
Future Asset programme manager Helen Bradley said this year’s competition is the most hotly contested yet.
"It’s been enormously gratifying to see the surge in interest from the youngsters and the commitment and dedication of their teachers and mentors.
“The popularity of the contest, particularly in state schools, means that youngsters who may not otherwise have had contacts in the industry are now plugged into the potential that a career in investment management holds," she added.
Competing against Oban High School for top spot in the junior age group are Hillhead High School in Glasgow, North Berwick High School in East Lothian, and Kingussie High School in the Highlands.
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