Michelin-starred chef to lead Culinary Arts Education at Bournemouth & Poole College

Bournemouth and Poole College has appointed celebrated chef Steve Drake to the new role of Master of Culinary Arts Education.

The Roux Scholar, who learned his craft alongside culinary greats including Marco Pierre White, Marc Veyrat and Tom Aikens, will join the college from September.

Drake, who has held a Michelin star at three separate restaurants, will provide strategic, academic, and professional leadership for the highly respected Specialised Chefs Programme, delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA).

His appointment comes as the new Compass Building at the College’s Lansdowne Campus in Bournemouth nears completion. As part of a £37m renovation project, the facility features modern, industry-standard kitchens, giving students the best possible environment to refine their craft.

Drake, a former winner of the prestigious Roux Scholarship, brings decades of elite experience in some of the most demanding kitchens in the country to the newly created role.

He said:

“Taking on this role is a genuine privilege. The Specialised Chefs Programme has a fantastic legacy, and my goal is to push our students to be resilient, creative, and fully prepared for the demands of modern hospitality. With the new kitchens, we have a brilliant space to master the craft and I can’t wait to get started.”

For more than 35 years, the Specialised Chefs Programme has nurtured some of the most talented young chefs in the UK. The course offers a rigorous route into the hospitality industry, combining world-class culinary arts training with structured, hands-on experience.

In his new role, Drake will champion elite standards in teaching and learning. He will ensure the curriculum continues to reflect the core traditions of RACA while embracing evolving industry trends, producing graduates who are technically skilled, professionally resilient, and ready for the reality of elite kitchens.

Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Bournemouth and Poole College, said:

“Steve is a fantastic addition to the team. We want our students learning from the absolute best in the business, and Steve’s track record is outstanding. By bringing someone of his calibre into the college, we are showing our absolute commitment to culinary excellence. Combine his leadership with the brilliant new kitchens in our Compass Building, and there is nowhere better for an aspiring chef to start their career.”

Adam Byatt, Chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts added:

A CGI image of the New Compass Building at the College’s Lansdowne Campus in Bournemouth, featuring a modern, industry-standard kitchens, giving students the best possible environment to refine their craft.

“The RACA Specialised Chef Apprentice Course started in 1989 and remains the most significant block release programme for aspiring young chefs in the UK.

As with everything in education- it is always about the people.

We are delighted to have Steve Drake join to head up the culinary teaching team at Bournemouth & Poole. Steve will be fully supported by our dedicated brigade of RACA chefs to allow him continuous connection to the industry.

Steve is a Michelin starred chef of the highest order, who has also been an owner-operator. He possesses skills and teachings which will be invaluable for our future students.

Alongside the college’s incredible new kitchens and facilities, we feel confident this introduction will ensure the course remains as the leading benchmark for chef education in the UK.”