Food is often central in celebrating life’s milestones and traditions – but Fairfax Academy’s most recent award nomination will put the team behind our school food front and centre.
The school catering team, from Angel Hill Food, is currently busy planning themed meals to celebrate the World Cup – just one example of their sense of fun and creativity. It is this, along with their connection with our students and their ambition to improve their health and wellbeing which has earned them a spot on the shortlist for The School Food People Awards for Excellence.
“Students have a lot of input when it comes to the menus,” says Catering Manager Kelly Burrows, who oversees the preparation of 1,000 meals every day.
Whether it’s a request to copy a TikTok trend, or bring back a popular dish, the service is constantly adapting to reflect feedback from students.
“For us, it’s about much more than food,” says Kelly. “The Refectory is a place where relationships are built, students feel part of the school community and good nutrition supports learning, wellbeing and success.”
Every student is treated as an individual, with the team catering for complex dietary needs and designing menus that link to the curriculum. Recent examples include dishes celebrating European Languages Week and Black History Month, as well as nutrition sessions and involvement in the Year 7 induction to help establish healthy habits from day one.
A recent redesign of the refectory layout has also transformed eating habits. By repositioning the main meal service area, the school has seen a 32% increase in main meal uptake, with students choosing balanced, nutritious options over grab‑and‑go snacks.
“We’ve moved the children away from convenient, carb‑heavy choices to balanced meals with fresh salad or vegetables,” Kelly adds.
“I always think of the catering and the Refectory as the heart of the school, even for the staff as well. We are all busy, but this is where everyone comes together to enjoy their free time and we get to see them go through the year groups and see them grow with us so it’s a really rewarding job role,” said Kelly.
Winners will be announced at the Awards for Excellence dinner, which is to be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Wednesday July 8. The winning team will receive a framed certificate, trophy and cheque for £500.