A HAMPSHIRE sixth form student has received the backing of a Government scheme to start his own business – while he is still at college.

Abdul Jawula, 18, who goes to Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh, has set up an online education network for students to discuss their GCSE, A level and undergraduate courses.

Users of Educalate can also pay to take part in eclass- room lessons at 80p per hour.

The A-level student also hopes to tap into a growing market of mature and foreign students.

The former Cantell student was awarded a £2,500 loan by the Start-Up Loans Company, which provides mentoring and business advice to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30.

The teenager said: “My business will allow students to ask each other questions and build online circles of friends studying the same subjects.”

He believes the venture has the potential to expand overseas as foreign students need to learn English to study in the UK.