Tim Campbell of The Apprentice may have been kicked out of high school as a youngster, but he is now returned to teach the next generation of kids.
Tim was the first winner of Lord Alan Sugar’s business show in 2005, and he accepted a £100,000-a-year position working for the industrialist.
Tim had a degree in psychology from Middlesex University and was working as a Senior Planner in London Underground’s Strategy and Service Development directorate before appearing on the show, but it turns out he was ‘kicked out’ of his high school.
Tim made the statement when appearing on Lorraine on Thursday to discuss the latest season of the reality series, which premiered last week. He was addressing how more students should be taught how to manage money while still in school before making the admission.
‘Financial literacy in school is so important. Knowing how to manage a budget, or as my mum talked about, making ends meet. Those things should be taught in school,’ he said.
‘I don’t want to put undue pressure on teachers, because I love teachers.
‘I’m now a governor of my old school, the one they kicked me out of.’
While Lorraine seemed shocked by his revelation and tried to get some more information out of him, Tim simply replied: ‘It’s a long story, we won’t get into that one.’
Tim was appointed chair of the governing council of St Bonaventure’s Catholic School in Newham, London, in 2013.
He claims he was expelled, however Tim is still featured on the school’s alumni page, which mentions his accomplishments, which include being granted the MBE for Enterprise Culture in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List.
Tim also discussed how businesses can help teach young people about money and how to manage it during the interview.
‘Teachers need support from businesses,’ he said.
‘Look at with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, it’s even more important that we watch those pennies, because we have to make them stretch. It’s going to be difficult.
‘I spend a huge amount of time, with young people in particularly, educating them how they can take idea or talent they have and converting that into a business idea. It’s so important.’
Last year Tim told the Evening Standard his school ‘played a vital role’ in his life during a visit back to the campus.
He attributed his time there with teaching him ‘ethics,’ as well as the toughness required to succeed in business.
The Apprentice returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.