From September 2025, pupils across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust schools will notice some exciting changes in the dining hall, thanks to a new partnership with catering provider Innovate – and our young voices have played a key role in the decision.
Innovate, part of the Impact Food Group, is known for bringing a fresh, high-street feel to school meals, combining quick service with great quality and plenty of choice.
But what really stood out during the selection process wasn’t just the food, it was the way Innovate aligned with what matters most to the pupils we serve.
As part of the tender process, pupils from across the trust played a central role in helping choose our new catering provider, by posing questions to the prospective contractors and asking about their menus.
This was the first time students from Thinking Schools Academy Trust have been involved in a multi-million-pound tender process, working collaboratively with trust experts in doing the right thing to give young people a say in key decision making.
One of the priorities of our student voice focuses on how the catering provider embraces sustainability, such as reducing food waste.
Innovate’s commitment to sourcing and serving food in ways that reduce environmental impact was expressed in a vibrant video presentation, and it’s fantastic to see they want the schools they work with to lead the way on protecting the planet.
The result is a new partnership that’s about more than just what's on the plate.
Innovate actively involves pupils in designing menus, ensuring meals are not only healthy and balanced, but also something pupils genuinely want to eat.
It’s all part of building a dining experience where every young person feels included, empowered, and well-fed.
For diners with allergies or dietary requirements, Innovate will also bring in its Allergen Buddy scheme, a daily point of contact in the dining hall, wearing a clearly marked apron and hat, ready to answer questions and help pupils make informed choices about their food.
It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference in building confidence and making sure no one feels left out at mealtimes.
Behind the scenes, technology systems will be upgraded to support Innovate teams serve meals faster, so pupils spend less time queuing and more time enjoying their food, fuelling up for a busy day of learning.
Tracy Styles, Catering Assurance Lead for the South West, said: “Innovate understand that every plate served is an opportunity to inspire healthy habits, and they’ve listened carefully to what our pupils value most. I am excited to work in partnership with Innovate to achieve our sustainability vision.”
Sarah Daffey, Catering Assurance Lead for the South East and South, added: “Seeing Innovate work directly with pupils to shape menus has been wonderful. This partnership truly reflects our child-first ethos, no adult decisions without pupil voice. I’m really looking forward to working with the team at Innovate who will deliver healthy and nutritious meals, which play an essential part in achieving our mission of Transforming Life Chances.”
Brixham College, Furzeham Primary School, and Lodestar will continue with our much-loved in-house Thinking Food offer, while Colchester Royal Grammar School will maintain its own catering arrangements.
With Innovate now joining the TSAT family, we’re looking forward to a school dining experience that’s faster, fresher, and shaped by the voices that matter most, our pupils.
Photo credit: Impact Food Group LinkedIn.