05 Nov 2012 Last updated at 00:00

Island cookery school shortlisted for top award

Cookery students from the Island will soon be rubbing shoulders with some of the most famous names in gastronomy at an awards ceremony in London.

The Cookery School at the Isle of Wight College, which was established through support from the Isle of Wight Council, has been named a finalist in the British Cookery School Awards. 
 
It will be up against other renowned cookery schools, such as Rick Stein’s Padstow Seafood School, Leiths and the Novelli Academy. It has been nominated in the category Best Specialist Cookery School.
 
Established in 2010, the Cookery School was created partially through the local authority’s Local Area Agreement programme, and is unique on the Isle of Wight.
 
It provides individual cooking stations for 12 people, included specially adapted cookers for those with disabilities. Courses have included an extensive marine cookery programme in partnership with UKSA, Young Cooks' courses for children, the Equals Ladies Friendship Group and groups with specialist needs.
 
'Thrilled to have made it to the final'

Fidelma Washington from the Isle of Wight College, said: “We are thrilled to have made it to the final and we are very proud of the work we have done with the Cookery School to make it a success.”
 
Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “Irrespective of how the school fares on the night of the awards, it is a fantastic achievement for the college to make it through to the finals against such stiff competition. I would like to congratulate the students and staff who have worked so hard to make the Cookery School such a success.
 
“I am thrilled for them and proud that we have such an outstanding educational facility here on the Island.”
 
The finals will be held at Vintner’s Hall in London on Tuesday 13 November.
 

The Cookery School provides training in all aspects of catering
The Cookery School provides training in all aspects of catering
Factfile
  • The Cookery School has been nominated in the category Best Specialist Cookery School.
  • The Isle of Wight Colleged has been judged as 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors.
 
Newport Isle of Wight