We’re changing the process for becoming an Adopt a School Chef

Our volunteers spoke. We listened!

We’re replacing our traditional training-room approach for new volunteers. Instead, from January 2027 we’ll offer a flexible learning experience combining bite-sized digital content with real-world practice.

Digital preparation for a real school environment

Start with practical, self-paced resources. Follow up “live” in schools where actual sessions are taking place. It’s a brand-new model for Adopt a School, one we’ll be developing, piloting and refining throughout the 2026–27 academic year.

What will the new journey look like for first-time volunteers?

Here’s the plan:

Step 1: Get to know the programme. On-demand videos and downloadable resources will explain, step by step, how each session is delivered. Access them online and work through them at your own pace.

Step 2: See it live in action. Travel to a school to shadow a real session. Alternatively, we’ll see if an experienced Adopt a School Chef can come to you, providing hands-on, in-person support at your first session.

This combination of digital and live learning will give you the initial training and practical experience you need to deliver the programme independently at your own school.

Step 3: Keep learning and developing. The content for delivering the core programme will remain available as ongoing refresher training. Additional themed resources will support you when you’re ready to adapt and extend the programme at your school.

The process for sourcing and onboarding new schools will run alongside Steps 1 and 2, with our programme team on hand to help coordinate all the moving parts.

Why are we making these changes?

The feedback from people already delivering our programme is clear: our training for new volunteers could do more to bridge the gap between understanding how the programme is delivered it and experiencing it—first-hand,in a real classroom setting.

We quite agree! And over the past year, our programme team has been working steadily to make this transition happen.

When will the new-look training take effect?

We’ve already retired our previous training formats. This new model is now the entry point into the programme for all first-time volunteers. The first pilot group will get started in January 2027.

How can I get involved?

We’d love you to be among the first group of Adopt a School Chefs to help us build and refine this new approach. The first step is to register your interest by completing our New Volunteer Registration Form.

There’s no commitment at this stage. We’ll share more details about what’s involved and what to expect before the pilot gets underway.

What if I have a team of people I’d like to train?

Even better! Use the same New Volunteer Registration Form and tell us about your team when prompted. We’ll then be in touch to discuss the best way to bring your group into the new training approach.

While you’re waiting to hear back from us, you could encourage everyone in your team to visit our Core Programme page to find out more about what they’ll be delivering.

Contact the Team

Email us: adoptaschool@royalacademyofculinaryarts.org.uk

Call us: 07887 437 359

…Wherever you work in hospitality, you can deliver our programme in schools.