Beachborough Prep School is celebrating after being named winner of the 2026 Talk Education Award for Innovation in Nutrition or Food, recognising the school’s commitment to promoting healthy eating, wellbeing and food education.
The award celebrates Beachborough’s whole-school approach to nutrition and wellbeing, which has seen the school work closely with pupils, parents and an independent nutritional expert to further strengthen its food provision.
Building on a catering operation where approximately 90 per cent of meals are prepared from scratch, the school has introduced a series of developments designed to support healthier eating habits and positive lifelong relationships with food. These include increasing the use of wholegrain ingredients, reducing added sugar, exploring alternatives to ultra-processed foods, introducing homemade morning Ghab snacks and strengthening food education for pupils.
The school’s approach focuses on balance rather than restriction, helping children understand healthy choices, moderation and the importance of nutrition while fostering positive attitudes towards food.
Using fresh ingredients sourced from trusted local and specialist suppliers, Beachborough’s catering team works hard to ensure children receive nutritious, high-quality meals throughout the school day.
Head, Simone Mitchell, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from Talk Education. Good nutrition plays a fundamental role in children’s health, wellbeing and ability to learn, and this recognition reflects the commitment of our entire school community to continually improve the food experience we provide. We are particularly proud that this work has been shaped through genuine collaboration with pupils, parents, staff and a nutritional expert.”
A special tribute has been paid to the school’s catering team and their leader, Neil McCluskey, whose dedication and expertise have been central to the initiative’s success.
This recognition reflects Beachborough’s belief that food is about more than simply satisfying hunger. Through high-quality catering, food education, family engagement and a positive dining environment, the school aims to help children develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
