Cookery builds confidence at Biddenham International School

Food etc recently delivered a six-week cookery and wellbeing programme for a group of Year 11 students at Biddenham International School some of whom had been identified as being at risk of exclusion. The aim of the project was to build practical skills, confidence and positive relationships while helping students develop healthier eating habits.

At the end of the course, they completed a feedback survey to share what they thought about the course.

All the students reported learning new recipes, discovering unfamiliar ingredients and gaining a stronger understanding of how to cook more healthily. Most also said that they had learnt how to cook more cheaply, recognising that healthy meals can be both affordable and enjoyable.

Students described feeling proud of what they were able to achieve, with several highlighting improvements in communication, teamwork and independence. One student explained that the course helped them feel confident enough to cook for their family when needed, while another shared that the experience had opened the door to potential work experience with the Food etc team.

Many students emphasised how the sessions helped them build positive relationships—both with peers and with the Food etc staff. They spoke about trying new foods, becoming more comfortable working with others, and developing better coordination and time-management skills in the kitchen. Several students also valued the chance to experiment creatively with ingredients they had never used before.

When asked what they enjoyed most about the course, they all said they appreciated spending time with other people, and all but one said they particularly enjoyed the increase in cooking confidence and learning to prepare a wider variety of meals. Over half of them noted that understanding how to save money on food was an important benefit. And they all expressed interest in attending another Food etc course.

The programme also produced meaningful changes beyond the classroom. Half of the respondents reported that they were now cooking more meals at home, and half said they were buying fewer takeaways because of what they had learned.

Paul Ray, Whole School Lead for Student Engagement, praised the programme for its adaptability, strong rapport-building and positive influence on student motivation:

“The Food etc team built a very strong rapport with the students… So far this is proving to be a very impactful and enjoyable experience. The students are more and more motivated to plan something for the community, probably as a result of their increased confidence.

“The programme also inspired a young person to attend school when they were otherwise too anxious to do so.”

This project demonstrates how hands-on food education can inspire confidence, support wellbeing and encourage positive change in young people facing significant challenges.