Activate Learning awarded funding from the Savoy Educational Trust to enhance Hospitality and Professional Cookery programmes
Activate Learning has been awarded a funding grant of £10,000 from the Savoy Educational Trust to purchase new kitchen equipment.
This is the first time that Activate Learning has applied for this funding from the prestigious charitable foundation, committed to advancing education and training within the hospitality industry.
The funding has been used to purchase a wide range of professional-grade kitchen tools, including commercial mixers, food processors, roasting trays and other essential items.
This is in line with Oxfordshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which identifies hospitality and the visitor economy as key sector priorities for the region.
The new equipment has not only enhanced the learning experience but also enabled the college to accommodate an additional 12 students in its Level 1 and Level 2 Professional Culinary Arts programmes.
The funding has also assisted with the re-opening of the college’s Cherwell Restaurant, which has recently been awarded a five-star Food Hygiene Rating from Cherwell District Council.
Gemma Barker, Curriculum Manager at Activate Learning, said: “This funding from the Savoy Educational Trust has made a tremendous difference to our Hospitality and Professional Cookery provision.
“By equipping our kitchens with the latest tools, we can provide our learners with hands-on, industry-standard training, that will help them build essential skills for their future careers.
“I would like to thank Matthew Bee and Jim Cunningham, Professional Cookery Teachers, and Lynn Mumford, Strategic Development Director, for their invaluable contribution to this funding bid.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support received from the Savoy Educational Trust and look forward to seeing our students thrive with these new resources.”
The impact of the grant extends beyond Hospitality and Professional Cookery students, with learners from other programmes, including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Sports (nutrition courses), also benefitting from access to the upgraded equipment.
The Savoy Educational Trust is an independent, grant-giving charitable trust, established in 1961 by the directors of the Savoy Hotel Group. Its primary aim is to support education, training and qualifications that will strengthen the hospitality sector.
Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said: “The Savoy Educational Trust are delighted to support Banbury and Bicester College with a grant to purchase high-quality equipment for their training kitchen.
“This investment will not only enhance students’ learning but also enable the college to attract more aspiring hospitality professionals, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled talent in the industry.
“Education and training are fundamental to a thriving hospitality sector, and it is essential that the learning environment reflects modern industry standards. Our funding will help ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, confidence and technical skills needed to excel in this dynamic industry.”
Matthew Bee, Professional Cookery Teacher at Banbury and Bicester College, said: “The equipment has allowed us to comfortably teach students the basics of the trade and it’s going to allow us to grow numbers, as we’ve now got the equipment for the students who use it to progress onto further levels.”
Find out more about Hospitality and Professional Cookery programmes at Banbury and Bicester College or contact Activate Learning via 0800 612 6008
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Professional Culinary Arts students with the new equipment at Banbury and Bicester College
About Activate Learning:
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We transform lives through learning.
GROUP MEMBERS:
Activate Apprenticeships | Activate Business School | Activate Cycle Academies | Activate Rugby Academy | Banbury and Bicester College | Bracknell and Wokingham College | City of Oxford College and University Centre | Farnham College | Guildford College | Merrist Wood College and University Centre | Reading College and University Centre
For more information, please contact Caitlin Kelly, Communications Officer at Activate Learning by email Caitlin.Kelly@ActivateLearning.ac.uk
