Revolutionizing Food Education: How One Headteacher Transformed Her School
In an inspiring story out of East Renfrewshire, headteacher Sharon Hunter has received national acclaim for her innovative approach to food education at Mearns Primary School and Nursery Class. Honored as the School Food Leader at the 2026 Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards, Hunter has made cooking and food an integral part of the curriculum, thus fostering a new generation of confident young chefs.
A Quiet Food Revolution
For several years, Sharon Hunter has led what she refers to as a "quiet food revolution" in her school. By converting a standard classroom into a fully equipped teaching kitchen, she has transformed how food education is perceived and practiced. The recognition from a panel that included notable figures like Joe Swash and Dani Dyer highlights the lasting impact of her work, praised for creating a culture of curiosity and creativity around food among students.
Pupils Thrive Under New Curriculum
Under Hunter's leadership, every child from nursery to Primary 7 now learns essential cooking skills, from understanding ingredients to preparing meals from scratch. Mark Ratter, director of education at East Renfrewshire Council, acknowledged that the excitement surrounding these lessons among pupils has been remarkable. Many students now approach cooking with confidence, seeing it as an enjoyable and valuable life skill.
Building Connections Through Food
The initiative extends beyond mere cooking lessons. Students partake in hands-on experiences, growing their own fruit and vegetables, experimenting with seasonal ingredients, and sharing meals with their peers and families. These activities not only enhance their culinary skills but also offer a platform for building relationships and celebrating diverse cultures. One project even allowed students to correspond with pen pals in Dubai, broadening their global awareness.
Creating a Sustainable Learning Environment
Sharon's ambitions also led her to raise over £10,000 to fund Spark Park, an outdoor learning space designed for culinary education. This initiative reflects a commitment to providing students with facilities that foster both learning and creativity, including BBQs and pizza ovens designed in collaboration with local architectural firms and industry partners.
Transformation Through Collaboration
Beyond the school’s immediate community, Hunter has developed partnerships with local businesses and secondary institutions, showcasing pathways into the food and hospitality sectors. Students have the opportunity to engage with practical projects, such as working with the Glasgow School of Art to establish a café that features professional-grade equipment.
The impact of this food education initiative is palpable among students and parents alike. As Jonathan Sloane, a parent, noted, the cooking sessions have not only made his child more adept in the kitchen but have also fostered an increased interest in food preparation at home. This sentiment is echoed by students like Sophie Sloane, who expressed joy in seeing her family appreciate the meals she has crafted.
The Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards are a testament to the bright future that Sharon Hunter is helping to create. With her dedication, Mearns Primary School has become a model for how innovative food education can lead to healthier, happier futures for children.
