WHO would make the best investment fund managers - A-level business studies students from the exclusive Benenden School in the Weald of Kent or students from Hackney Community College in East London? Both schools have entered teams in an investment competition organised by Leopold Joseph, the City-based private bank.

At stake is £1,500 in prize money. The would-be money-managers have to chose an imaginary £1 million portfolio of UK equities, benchmarked against the FTSE All Share Index, to produce the highest possible returns over a period of several months. Six students from each of six schools taking part have visited the bank's offices for an insight in share-dealing where they also picked up some tips from real fund managers.

Stephanie Northridge, head of economics at Benenden School, said:"We are thrilled. It will be invaluable experience for our students to be able to put into practice what they learn in the classroom. I'm confident that our team will be able to beat the competition and show everyone how successful fund management is done!"