Tag: finalist Anisa Khan

Excellent! Scran Academy is Finalist in Qualification Scotland Centre of the Year awards

Edinburgh-based charity Scran Academy has been named a finalist for Centre of the Year at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.

The charity, which provides vocational education for young people, has been recognised just two years after becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre.

The nomination marks a significant milestone for Scran Academy, which was founded in response to the number of young people struggling to engage with mainstream education.

Scran Academy works with young people to provide an education that fits their individual needs and aspirations. Through practical and vocational learning, the charity supports young people to gain qualifications, develop skills, confidence and build pathways towards employment and further opportunities.

Becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre two years ago was an important step in developing this work and expanding the qualifications Scran Academy can offer.

For young people the impact can be significant. Jacob, Scran graduate, said: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number and it was a better alternative to sitting in a classroom doing nothing.

“I like Scran because it’s different to school in the way that it teaches us good qualities that the school system doesn’t.

“Qualifications at Scran were so much better in the sense that it was more hands-on and engaging than schoolwork. All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen. I’m planning on working full time when I leave school and Scran qualifications are the reason I have the job in the first place.”

For Scran Academy, being named a finalist is recognition not only of the organisation’s work, but of the young people at the heart of it.

Will Bain, CEO says “To be shortlisted for Qualifications Scotland Centre of the Year is huge for us. It’s both a recognition of our track record and an acknowledgement that our relationship-based approach works.

“Young people are equal contributors at Scran – they help to decide what and how they learn, and are given a stake in running our catering social enterprise.

“It’s this rights-based, real-life approach that drives our success and has made this shortlisting happen.”

The Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026 recognise achievements across Scotland’s education, training and skills sector, with finalists selected across a range of categories.

For Scran Academy, being shortlisted for Centre of the Year comes just two years after becoming an approved centre and represents an important moment in the charity’s journey.

Scran Academy is now looking forward to celebrating alongside the other finalists at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.

Foysol Choudhury Congratulates Anisa Khan, the First Finalist of Bengali-descent on BBC’s The Apprentice

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, congratulates Anisa Khan, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who has made history as the first finalist of Bengali descent to appear on BBC’s The Apprentice.

She is the owner of Bombay Pizza, an Indian-Italian fusion pizza company in London. She identifies as a British-Bangladeshi woman and her heritage plays a significant role in her business and her identity.

She is a national Kabaddi player from London and has founded Bombay Pizza with the plan to redefine success with the incorporation of South Asian influence.

As the first finalist of Bengali descent, she blends her cultural pride into her work, representing her passion for food, family, and culture.

The Apprentice is one of the UK’s most influential reality TV shows, showcasing ambitious entrepreneurs competing for a business investment from Lord Alan Sugar.

Over nearly two decades, it has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring viewers with high-stakes challenges, strategic decision-making, and entrepreneurial ambition.

The 2025 finale, which aired on Thursday, April 17, drew around 3.5 million viewers, with Dean Franklin, founder of ADL Air Conditioning, named Lord Sugar’s newest business partner.

Since 2020, Anisa has been operating Bombay Pizza from a dark kitchen in Wallington, Sutton, crafting hand-crafted pizzas inspired by South Asian flavours.

Due to high demand, Bombay Pizza currently offers in-person orders only, but Anisa recently launched Bombay Pizza by Post, a nationwide delivery service.

Last month’s postal orders sold out quickly, but customers can sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know when they’re back in stock. In celebration of her Apprentice journey, Anisa has introduced a special edition of Apprentice-inspired pizzas on Bombay Pizza by Post, each named after one of the final five contestants.

‘The Anisa’ features Bengali chicken naga, peppers, red onions, and mozzarella on a spicy masala base—bringing the heat in true Apprentice fashion.

Anisa approached The Apprentice with confidence and ambition, believing in the immense potential of Bombay Pizza’s unique concept and its overwhelmingly positive reception.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she shared, “I didn’t realise how resilient I was as a person. I’m someone that if I have a goal, I’ll make it happen.”

Over 12 gruelling weeks, she showcased determination and drive, making her one of the standout contenders of the season.

In the series finale, Anisa finished as runner-up. She remains undeterred, leveraging her experience and connections to propel Bombay Pizza to even greater heights. This is truly a world-class achievement and has given a sense of pride to the Bangladeshi and South Asian community in the UK. For those eager to taste the flavours that took her so far, a visit to Bombay Pizza in Wallington, London is a must.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Anisa has brought great pride to the Bangladeshi community in Scotland and throughout the UK.

“Her contemporary ideas and fusion of South Asian flavour and Italian cuisine have been a wonderful addition to the restaurant sector in London.

“I am proud to call her father, Mr. Yawar Khan, a dear friend and I look forward to witnessing the success of her business continue.”