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Independents by Sodexo has secured a five-year contract, valued at £4.6 million, to deliver catering services at St Leonards School in St Andrews.
St Leonards was founded in 1887 and currently has 600 pupils, aged 5-18 and provides a ‘home from home’ boarding experience for 150 pupils.
The new contract will see Independents by Sodexo introduce a brand new menu with a wide range of dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal and nutritious food from 20 August 2024.
Independents by Sodexo will cater for pupils and staff, offering breakfast, lunch, supper as well as options for both morning and afternoon breaks. Age appropriate, varied and flexible menus have been designed to recognise pupil tastes at different stages of school life, as well as the international reach of the school community.
Driving sustainability is core to the partnership. Sodexo is committed to 33 per cent of its main meals being plant-based by 2025.
Reducing food waste will be a focus through WasteWatch, Sodexo’s food waste management programme, which will enable the school catering team at St Leonards to minimise waste from improved kitchen practices. This will be supported by communications for pupils to help educate and encourage them to be mindful when choosing their meals to avoid unnecessary waste.
Independents by Sodexo will also support the School with hospitality and special events services such as Sixth Form balls and weekend match teas for sports.
Simon Knight,MD for Independents by Sodexo, said: “We are thrilled to bring our passion and expertise to the St Leonards community and to support them in their goal to bring out the best in each pupil. Our services have been designed to support the culture of the School with a clear focus on wellbeing, enhancing learning, investing in people, collaboration and driving sustainability.”
Simon Brian, Head of St Leonards School added: “We are delighted to partner with Independents by Sodexo. We were impressed by their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship and their focus on enhancing student wellbeing and the learning environment through food.”
St Leonards is a centre of excellence for boarding research, with a particular focus on supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
