On Monday 20 January 2020 Cirencester Deer Park School proudly opened its fantastic new ‘Masterchef’-style Food Preparation and Nutrition classroom.

During the opening event, Deer Park’s guests were able to sample sweet and savoury topped blinis, different breads and chocolate dipped shortbread and, impressively, two Year 9 pupils treated everyone to a live cookery demonstration in which they showcased their culinary skills. Working together and completely unperturbed by the audience, they prepared two excellent courses, including handmade ravioli from scratch and delicious brownies. Following the pupils’ demonstration, celebrity baker, Tom Herbert from The Long Table in Brimscombe, treated us to another superb demonstration. While cooking in the new classroom, Tom introduced his social enterprise and provided an inspiring commentary about how he makes the most out of food waste and rare ingredients. He quickly rustled up a truly delicious golden beetroot hummus and moreish sourdough flatbreads. 

This refurbishment of one of the school’s Design workshops into a new modern kitchen finally brings all of the Design subjects together in one faculty area. This has been an ambition for many years as the original Food and Textiles classrooms were situated in an area behind Cirencester College that was once part of the Girls’ Secondary School! In contrast to the previous classroom, this new space is fully fitted with extensive work surfaces, smart built in ovens and induction hobs.

‘We have been able to achieve this transformation as a result of our successful applications for grant funding. I am immensely grateful to the Trustees of The Savoy Education Trust in London and The Powell’s Education Foundation in Cirencester for their generosity. This new classroom will definitely inspire a new generation of young chefs and we expect to see more choosing to pursue careers in hospitality and catering.’ Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive, The Corinium Education Trust, and Head Teacher, Cirencester Deer Park School. 

‘Many thanks for your hospitality at Deer Park; I was most impressed by the school’s new food preparation and nutrition classroom and the equipment which has been provided; I have no doubt that it will be an excellent teaching facility.’ Richard Mullings, Clerk to The Powells Education Foundation and Member of The Corinium Education Trust.

This stunning and creative refurbishment reflects The Corinium Education Trust’s commitment to improving the learning environment in each of our schools. It follows the resurfacing of the school’s astroturf in 2017 and the opening of the new flagship building, housing eight new classrooms, at Deer Park in 2018.

Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive, and Trustees are currently working with consultant architects to draw up premises development plans for each of our schools. In spite of the constraints on capital funding from The Department of Education, The Corinium Education Trust has ambitious plans to refurbish Chesterton Primary School and we are working towards the provision of a new, much needed, school hall for Siddington C of E Primary School. We are actively seeking funds to help us realise these projects so that all of our schools are designed to promote effective learning in the 21^st Century and are better able to support the communities they serve.

"The new Food Tech facility at CDPS was a joy to visit at the opening on Monday 20th January. The equipment and resources that the pupils have to use are of a very high standard. The funky décor and layout is welcoming and modern with more than a hint of professional kitchen to inspire young chefs. The pupils’ demonstrations were of such a high quality – we were all wowed! They showed skill and dexterity, but also a confidence that was very mature. We are looking forward to them visiting the primary schools to inspire our young children. The pupils had made a range of canapés and foods for us to taste – which were delicious. All in all, this is a wonderful example of how the Corinium Education Trust are using capital funds to ensure our children are benefitting from excellent facilities. At Siddington C of E Primary School, alongside the CET, we are working together to find ways of building a new school hall, so that we can offer pupils modern facilities for worship, dining and PE and then releasing the old hall for further teaching and ‘break out’ spaces."  Carol Dougill, Executive Headteacher, Kemble and Siddington C of E Primary Schools.