Outwood Academy Danum has been awarded just under £8,000 in grant funding from the Savoy Educational Trust to support the development of the school’s food technology provision. The grant will help fund safe food and equipment storage as well as modern, industry-relevant cooking equipment.
The funding will directly benefit both Key Stage 3 (KS3) pupils and Key Stage 4 (KS4) Hospitality and Catering students, supporting learners to build essential practical cooking skills, expand nutrition knowledge, and perform complex culinary techniques.
The improved infrastructure comes at a vital moment for the academy's technology department; KS4 Hospitality and Catering enrolment has grown significantly, from 34 students in 2024 to 83 currently studying the subject. Linked with Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food and supported by staff membership in the Food Teachers Centre, the academy provides ingredients and equipment at no cost to families, removing financial barriers and ensuring access for all learners.
By aligning with the local Doncaster Food Plan, which aims to build residents' food-related knowledge, the upgraded kitchen environment and state-of-the-art equipment will prepare students for post-16 study, college hospitality programmes, and long-term career pathways within the hospitality and leisure industry.
Angela Maher, chief executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said:
“It is encouraging to see such a significant increase in young people choosing to study Hospitality and Catering at Outwood Academy Danum. The school's ambition to build on that interest, connecting what students learn in the classroom with opportunities to experience the industry first-hand, is something we are pleased to support. We hope this investment will encourage more young people to see hospitality not simply as a subject they enjoy, but as an industry in which they can build a rewarding, long-term career.”
Louise Caldwell, grants and fundraising development officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, added:
“We are delighted to have been able to secure this grant. As student interest in food technology and catering continues to grow rapidly, this investment in new equipment will transform the practical learning environment. It directly empowers pupils to gain high-level culinary skills and paves clear pathways into further education and hospitality careers.”
As part of the grant initiative, Outwood Academy Danum will actively engage students and teachers with opportunities such as partnering with regional employers, colleges, and participation in the Hospitality Connect initiative. They'll also have access to resources on Springboard’s CareerScope platform to expose students to varied career paths across hospitality, leisure, and tourism. Students will participate in Springboard’s annual FutureChef (Years 9–11) and FutureChef Jr. (Years 7–8) competitions, all while being mentored by professional chefs.
Working with local colleges, the school will be able to offer Junior Chef and Barista Academies, expanding post-16 vocational routes for students. Teachers will also be supported through continuous professional development (CPD) and resources provided by the Food Teachers Centre.
The project upgrades will be fully integrated into the curriculum and extracurricular enrichment programmes over the course of the academic year.
