2026 Food Educator of the Year ARTHUR HAWKESWORTH, COMBE PAFFORD SCHOOL, TORQUAY, DEVON 

Arthur Hawkesworth has transformed ‘The Yellow Frog school café into a brilliant, restaurant-level training kitchen where pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autism are finding their true calling. 

Bringing years of professional hospitality experience to Combe Pafford School, Arthur teaches his students everything from high-end culinary plating to professional customer service. Under his guidance, young people who often face low employment prospects are gaining the vocational qualifications, industry-standard skills, and massive confidence they need to thrive in the working world.

Arthur’s incredible impact goes far beyond the kitchen counter. He deliberately uses food as a way to talk about mental health, using his café as a gentle, practical re-entry point for students struggling with extreme anxiety. 

From turning surplus, school-grown produce into inventive dishes to running popular Friday staff takeaways that act as real-world student training tools, Arthur proves that healthy food and kindness go hand-in-hand. 

His infectious energy has made hospitality the school’s most in-demand subject, with student participation soaring by over 36%! 

Magnificent work, Arthur!

WHAT THE CELEB JUDGES THOUGHT…

“Arthur’s story really stayed with me because this goes way beyond teaching cooking skills. He’s created an environment where young people are gaining confidence, learning practical life skills and getting real experience that opens doors beyond school. What stood out most was the belief he has in his pupils and the standards he holds them to. Through food, he’s helping young people see what they’re capable of and giving them opportunities that can genuinely change futures.” Big Has

Huge thanks to our headline partner, Wonde, for making the awards possible.