Congratulations to all the finalists of the 26th Springboard FutureChef competition. Out of over 13,000 entrants, twelve exceptional young competitors demonstrated outstanding dedication, focus, and culinary skill in the national final. It was truly inspiring to witness 14–16-year-olds producing dishes of restaurant quality.

We are delighted to share that Carys Williams, representing Pontarddulais School in Swansea, was crowned this year’s winner. Please read all about the day here.

Activate Learning, a leading educational provider, received funding from the Savoy Educational Trust. The funding supports both Banbury and Bicester College and City of Oxford College and University Centre, which are part of the Activate Learning network.

The £10,000 grant has been allocated towards purchasing a range of professional-grade kitchen equipment, including commercial mixers, food processors, and roasting trays. For more information, please see here

Our Grants and Trust Executive Sarah Tunstall had the pleasure of visiting Coleg Cambria to see their impressive new state-of-the-art training kitchen in action. It is an exciting addition to the college’s hospitality and catering facilities, part-funded by the Trust

The Savoy Kitchen was officially opening by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vicki Howells MS. For more information, please visit here

The Savoy Educational Trust has extended its support for The Adopt A School Trust as it marks 35 years of food education.

This funding will help the Adopt A School Trust continue delivering food education to schoolchildren across the UK.

Gemma Hopwood, programme manager at The Adopt a School Trust, commented: “This funding allows us to continue providing children with essential cookery skills and knowledge to make informed dietary choices, while also introducing them to the vibrant world of hospitality. We are proud to partner with The Savoy Educational Trust to make a meaningful difference, building the foundation for healthier, sustainable lifestyles and sparking a passion for food and the hospitality industry.” To find out more please visit here.

This project marks an important step in the college’s dedication to supporting students aged 16-25 with communication challenges, including those who are deaf, autistic, or have learning disabilities. The new café will provide a hands-on learning space where students can build their professional skills in a real-world setting.

Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, says: “We are delighted to support Communication Specialist College Doncaster in launching their new training café. 

“By providing hands-on experience and essential skills, the café empowers students to achieve their potential while contributing to the hospitality sector and addressing its growing skills gap. This is a fantastic example of how tailored learning environments can make a real difference. We wish them every success with this inspiring project.” For more information please visit: https://shorturl.at/L3HWb

Renowned chefs to collaborate with Ulster University students at the Academy Restaurant in Belfast on 6 February. Award-winning chefs, food writers, and a star of MasterChef: The Professionals will visit Ulster University’s Academy Restaurant this year to host culinary masterclasses with culinary arts and hospitality management students.

The popular Culinary Salon series, which invites members of the public to enjoy a menu curated by celebrity chefs and Ulster University students, returns on Thursday 6 February with cook, food writer, and stylist Georgina Hayden. The event was attended by Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, highlighting the Trust’s ongoing support for hospitality education and student development. For more information, click here.

To honour the memory of the late Ramon Pajares and celebrate his incredible contribution to the hospitality industry, the Savoy Educational Trust and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts have come together to launch the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship.

Funded by The Savoy Educational Trust and managed by The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, this prestigious scholarship is open for entry until 31st March 2025 and offers past Annual Awards of Excellence achievers, aged 26-36, the chance to win a £5,000 prize for bespoke personal and professional development.

For more information, please visit: Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship

The Savoy Educational Trust is proud to support the transformation of food technology facilities at Louth Academy, providing students with an enhanced environment to develop their culinary skills. A grant of £8,840 has enabled the school to upgrade equipment to professional standards, inspiring students and preparing them for future careers in the catering and hospitality industry.

Read more about how this investment is making a difference: https://tinyurl.com/3yfdfuzu

We are delighted to announce that our trustee Bill Toner has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours for services to the hospitality sector.

This prestigious accolade is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional contributions, and lasting impact on the industry. On behalf of everyone at The Savoy Educational Trust, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bill and thank him for his continued commitment to both the trust and our wonderful industry. For more information please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yfcuzdrx

With funding from The Savoy Educational Trust, Loughborough College unveiled its brand-new academy training kitchens at the Radmoor Centre last month. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to equip Hospitality and Catering students with the skills needed to thrive in modern professional kitchens.

We were absolutely delighted to see the kitchens in action for the Springboard Futurechef local finals – a competition also support by the Trust. It is fantastic to see how our funding is helping create opportunities for the next generation of hospitality talent in such an impactful and tangible way. For more information please visit: https://tinyurl.com/pfyxmm29 https://tinyurl.com/5awn8t44