Teachers of the latest winner of BBC1’s The Apprentice have said his time at Oxford’s St Edward’s School helped forge his entrepreneurial outlook.

Inventor Tom Pellereau won the show’s final this week, securing a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar in his business project to design chairs that ease back pain for office workers.

The 31-year-old was at the Woodstock Road public school from 1992 to 1997.

Former housemaster Geoffrey Boult said: “He was a well-mannered boy from a lovely family, and I am not really surprised at his success.

“He was dyslexic but bright. He worked hard and he was well organised. He was a good games player and captain of the First XI hockey team, quietly spoken but a good leader.

Design teacher Ben Pyper said: “I remember Tom as a very competent and imaginative student who was able to bring to bear his scientific know-how in developing effective design solutions. It is no surprise he has found success as a design-driven entrepreneur. With his charm, drive and capability he was always going to succeed.”

Mr Pellereau, who now lives in London, went on to study mechanical engineering at the University of Bath, and announced his engagement to girlfriend Sarah Fawcus this week after winning the show.