How a Good School Food Award Changed Our School

Blog by Miss Hackett, Headteacher at New Lubbesthorpe Primary

Something amazing is happening in the kitchen and classrooms at New Lubbesthorpe Primary School in Leicester! Since we scooped the 2024 Jamie Oliver Award, school food and food education hasn’t just been a subject—it’s become the vibrant heart of our school, seriously boosting engagement, wellbeing and even our popularity.

It is clear to us that focusing on top-notch, sustainable food practices makes a huge difference – and the evidence says so too! Since the award win, you can feel the tangible change in the school atmosphere. People are eating more school meals—we saw a big 20% jump in 2023/24, followed by an awesome 41% climb in 2024/25. Crucially, the growth in paid meal uptake tells us that our menu and whole vibe are winning over parents and kids alike.

But it’s not just about the numbers – the personal impact is massive. The kids are way more excited about school lunches and cooking. Our school garden is buzzing, with pupils choosing to spend 15% of their free time breaks getting hands-on with food education. And that enthusiasm is catching – families are telling us their kids are transforming their homes too, with healthier habits and more scratch cooking. 

Our success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Getting the Gold Food for Life award in 2025 was a great validation of our commitment. Plus, the school’s profile has shot up, meaning more applications and a much longer waiting list. Parents are clearly looking for this kind of all-around approach that puts pupil wellbeing and innovative learning first.

The internal changes are great, too. We’re attracting kitchen staff who are genuinely passionate about sustainability, which is boosting morale and creating a team that feels part of something really meaningful. And we’re sharing the knowledge! Other schools are regularly popping by, eager to copy our successful model, which is building a great local network for change.

From our Headteacher chatting on BBC Sounds to the better teamwork among our staff to weave food education throughout the curriculum, New Lubbesthorpe is proud to be leading the charge. We’re doing more than just teaching kids to cook and eat well; we’re inspiring a culture of wellbeing, sustainability, and curiosity that is shaping happier, healthier learners. Our journey proves that investing in food education is a brilliant investment in the future of our children and our community.

Natalie Hackett, headteacher at New Lubbesthorpe Primary School won the School Food Leader Category in 2024