Holme Grange pupil Isabella Leese has been named among the final 10 in the KidsMBA Future Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 competition and is the only UK finalist.
A business idea first developed in a Holme Grange classroom has reached the global stage, with Isabella Leese selected as one of just ten finalists from around the world in the KidsMBA Future Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 competition.
Isabella’s business concept, Take 5, is a subscription-based wellbeing box designed to support teenage mental health. The idea began with a simple experience that made her think about the difference a small, unexpected moment of happiness could make to someone having a difficult day.
“I got the inspiration when one day after school, I came home and found a box from a monthly book subscription that I had completely forgotten about,” Isabella explained. “It really brightened my day, and I thought about how valuable that little moment of joy could be if you were having a bad day. I wanted to recreate that with the focus of improving teen mental health and created Take 5.”
Isabella began developing her idea through Business Studies at Holme Grange during Year 9, where pupils explored key business concepts before putting their learning into practice by creating and pitching their own business ideas.
Following an initial qualifying round, finalists presented their concepts in a Shark Tank-style final to a panel of teachers and parents from a range of business sectors. Isabella was crowned Holme Grange’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, earning the opportunity to represent the School in the global KidsMBA competition.
For her international entry, Isabella created a video pitch explaining the problem Take 5 aims to address, her business idea, who its customers would be, why the concept matters and how it could create value.
She credits her Business Studies lessons and the support she received at Holme Grange with helping her develop the initial concept into a stronger business proposition.
“The Business Studies lessons were very useful when preparing for the competition and before submitting, helping me consider other aspects I hadn’t thought of, such as economies of scale when getting the materials needed,” Isabella said. “Mr Reed helped me film the video and gave me feedback that helped me improve my pitch greatly.”
Following entries from around the globe, just ten young entrepreneurs were selected for the final stage of the competition, with Isabella the only UK finalist.
Reflecting on the news, Isabella said: “I was so shocked when I heard that I had been shortlisted to the top 10, and I couldn’t believe that I was the only UK entrant selected. I felt proud of Take 5, and that the time I had taken practising and creating the pitch was worth it.”
Will Reed, Head of Business Studies at Holme Grange, said:
“Isabella worked extremely hard and planned her business idea and pitch meticulously. To see her excel and be recognised as the only UK representative on the KidsMBA global shortlist is a fantastic achievement.
“Business Studies gives our pupils opportunities to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real ideas, challenges and opportunities. Isabella has embraced that brilliantly and we wish her the very best of luck in the final.”
For Isabella, reaching the global final is also an opportunity to build on both her idea and the skills she has developed through the experience.
“I hope to be able to develop Take 5 and turn it into a useful resource for teenagers,” she said. “This competition has definitely given me valuable experience in both entrepreneurship and public speaking that I can use going forwards.”
From an idea sparked by an unexpected parcel at home, to a classroom pitch and now a place among the global final 10, Isabella’s journey demonstrates just where an idea, supported by learning, confidence and determination, can lead.
Congratulations, Isabella, on an exceptional achievement and on representing Holme Grange and the UK on the global stage.