Inside the St Leonards Enterprise Programme
12 June 2026
The St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP) gives Year 12 pupils the opportunity to experience the realities of running a business. The pupils develop an idea in their small teams, then create a brand, manage finances, market their products and present their progress to judges, gaining first-hand experience of enterprise throughout the academic year.
This year’s cohort saw 32 pupils form six independent companies, each developing its own business idea before pitching to a panel in November. Following the launch, teams spent the year refining their products, managing sales and responding to customer demand before presenting the results of their businesses at the STEP Finals in June.
More than eight products were launched this year, with ideas ranging from refurbished golf balls, personalised water bottles, shoe racks, cosy socks, and handmade toys crafted from old jumpers, with sustainability a common thread running through many of this year’s ideas.
Alongside developing products, pupils experienced the realities of entrepreneurship. Managing budgets, calculating profit margins, making marketing decisions and adapting when plans changed challenged them to think creatively, communicate effectively and work collaboratively towards a shared goal.
STEP Coordinator Ms Paula Prudencio-Aponte said:
“Watching these pupils transform raw ideas into viable, sustainable businesses has been an absolute privilege this year. They didn’t just build products; they built the confidence, resilience and teamwork skills needed to become the innovators of tomorrow. I am incredibly proud of their dedication, creativity and hard work. Congratulations to all our young entrepreneurs!”
Congratulations to all of this year’s participants, especially to our winners and runners-up.
Company of the Year
Sweater Bees – Handmade toys from old jumpers
Lucia C-G, Charlotte R, Sienna P, Amelia E and Sa V
Runners up
Fore Real – Recycled golf balls
Theo B, Shota-Leon S, Xander S, Rory M and Hung N
Additional awards recognised outstanding teamwork, creativity and innovation:
Third Place – Avara (Personalised water bottles)
Best Teamwork Award – Steps and Stacks (Shoe racks)
Most Original Video – Tip Toe (Socks)
