Devon teacher needs your help to pitch to Sir Richard Branson

A primary school teacher and entrepreneur from Devon is aiming to impress Sir Richard Branson with her vision to provide free 'learn to read' education to the world through her app 'Fonics'.

Miss Cooper, who still teaches full time and works on developing her app Fonics in the evenings and at weekends is entering this years VOOM awards in an aim to win £50,000 in funding and a £250,000 marketing campaign from Sir Richard Branson.

The Virgin Media Business VOOM awards is an initiative where Sir Richard Branson and a distinguished team of judges pick winners across a range of categories. Sophie has entered her business 'Fonics' in the 'Start-Up’ and 'Impact' categories. All going well, there will be a live finale on June 28, 2016 where Sophie will have the opportunity to pitch her business to Sir Richard Branson.

"Learning to read is the most important skill we teach children when they start school. They cannot progress in their education without it and it is a skill we all use every single day for the rest of their lives. Those who fall behind will always find themselves at a constant disadvantage. That is why I created Fonics, to give every child around the world the best possible start in life."

"I strongly believe Fonics has the potential to become recognised globally as the best resource in the world for teaching children to read, and the VOOM awards 2016 could well give us the funding and exposure we need to make it happen.”

Voting for VOOM 2016 is open now, and ends on 23 May.

Eighty entrants with the most votes between 5 April and 23 May go through to the next stage of the competition.

To vote and support Sophie, click here - https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/fonics