Stafford Grammar School has won a major national award for the food on offer to pupils and staff. The catering team at the Stafford school was awarded a Gold CAP Award for its exceptional standards. The CAP (Continuing Advancement Programme) Awards recognise excellence in catering and are regarded as the highest measure of quality, safe best practices and service.

Head Teacher Michael Darley said he was delighted that the in-house catering team had scooped the top award. He said: “This Gold Award is thoroughly deserved. The catering team work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality of food to the pupils and the staff, smashing all myths about poor school dinners. “I eat from the menu every day and I can vouch for the quality – it really is delicious and nutritious.”

Ian Jackson, Managing Director of the CAP Awards, said the catering team at Stafford Grammar had impressed him with their catering skills and professionalism. He said: “There was a great food service throughout the day with a lovely combination of oatcakes filled with cheese for a mid-morning snack and an outstanding Thai green curry for lunch. “Despite the tight kitchen space there was an interesting and fabulous array of food items being produced, both hot and cold. They are worthy winners of the Gold Award.”

The next generation of chefs are also taken care of at the Burton Manor school – which currently has around 380 pupils.

Ian added: “The catering manager is also involved in cookery classes at the Prep School and there is a wonderful interaction between pupils.

During the award appraisal there was also good feedback from the pupils across all year groups (ages five to 18) – the most experienced judges!

Award judges said the catering team ran a progressively managed service with 5 stars from EHO, robust HACCP and financial controls, allergen awareness in place six months ahead of the legal guidelines and feedback sessions in the Prep School via forms from the teachers.