5 Reasons Winning Is a Game-Changer for Schools

Winning a Good School Food Award isn’t just about getting your hands on a golden spoon trophy – beautiful though they are! –  flicking a switch for massive, positive change across the whole school community. Happier, healthier kids, super-motivated staff, and classrooms buzzing with energy.

Check out the awesome ripple effect that happens when a school wins:

1. INCREASED APPLICATIONS AND WAITING LISTS FOR SCHOOLS

News travels fast when a school is seriously committed to brilliant food education and being sustainable. Winners say the award has boosted their profile, making them the hottest ticket for local parents.

The result? They’re seeing a noticeable jump in school applications, with loads of winners now rocking a waiting list—a total turnaround from before they won!

2. GOING VIRAL: BETTER AWARENESS OF SCHOOL FOOD AND FOOD EDUCATION

The recognition doesn’t stop at the school gates. Award-winning schools are getting serious attention for their food and education programs:
  • Political Shout-Outs: Winners have been invited right into Number 10 Downing Street to cook for, and talk with, the Prime Minister about the future of school meals, and many MPs have visited winning schools to see their work in action
  • Local Heroes: Many winners have spoken at local events, hosted their own and been invited to present at important meetings on food and food education
  • Media Frenzy: From local papers to national platforms, winners have spoken at the BBC Sounds Festival, been visited by BBC Radio 4, and one winner was even nominated for a Pride of Britain award!

3. EASIER RECRUITMENT AND ENHANCED STAFF MORALE

Winning an award is a total game-changer for the staff. Schools report that the recognition has made hiring and keeping great people easier, attracting more passionate candidates for kitchen and teaching jobs.

What’s more, the awards have totally lifted staff motivation and morale. That validation fires up new ideas, encourages teamwork, and creates a visible, positive vibe around food and wellbeing for the whole school.

4. A RIPPLE EFFECT – INCREASED MEAL UPTAKE AND FOOD EDUCATION

Winners are seeing brilliant results in the dining hall and the classroom:
  • School meal uptake has gone through the roof—we’re talking as high as a mind-blowing 98%.
  • More students opting to take pursue cookery at GCSE level and above – a whopping increase of 75 students in one school 
  • Families and the wider community are getting involved. School-run family cooking, growing, and tasting sessions are being rolled out. Plus, parents are saying their kids are the ones pushing for home cooking, spreading those healthy habits far beyond the school.

5. CREATING FURTHER CHANGE

These successful schools are inspiring everyone else. Winners are helping to spark big, systemic changes by:
  • Hosting other schools and headteachers to show off their award-winning methods.
  • Setting up local networks to help other schools in their area change things up.

Winning a Jamie Oliver award isn’t the finish line; it’s the start of an amazing transformation. It proves that focusing on food education is the absolute recipe for a popular, healthy, and thriving school community.
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