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29 July 2025
Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School has become the first school in West Northamptonshire to achieve the Food for Life (FFL) Bronze Award, a significant milestone in promoting healthy food education and culture within schools. Their success was celebrated at the launch event of the West Northants Sustainable Food Network (WNSFN), hosted by the University of Northampton, where they received their award from the Director of Public Health.
Challenge
Like many schools, Kingsthorpe Grove initially struggled with fragmented communication and inconsistent quality from their catering provider due to frequent management turnover. These barriers posed a challenge to improving school meals and delivering a consistent healthy food experience for pupils.
Approach
Over the course of a year, Kingsthorpe’s staff and students worked collaboratively to meet the rigorous criteria of the Food for Life Bronze Award. Their journey included:
Developing a school-wide gardening and cooking program
Reviewing and improving their food policy
Making meaningful changes to lunchtime practices and food education
A core part of this initiative was driven by the school's Lunchtime Ambassadors made up of representatives from every class in school, this group played a central role in championing changes and sharing their progress with the wider community.
A turning point came after a visit from Kate, the Food for Life Programme Manager, who provided feedback for both the school and their caterer. This feedback prompted a constructive dialogue with the owner and manager of their caterer, resulting in:
Immediate improvements to the food offering
Development of a long-term action plan (launching September)
Plans for direct collaboration with students and staff to gather feedback, share recipes, and improve the service further
Impact
The school’s efforts led not only to the successful achievement of the Bronze FFL Award but also to a strengthened relationship with their caterer, setting a foundation for ongoing collaboration and quality improvement. This momentum has opened the door for further enhancement through potential “Served Here” accreditation, which ensures:
Freshly prepared meals
No harmful additives
Higher animal welfare standards
Moreover, Kingsthorpe Grove has also been awarded the Healthy Schools Silver Award, reinforcing a comprehensive and joined-up approach to creating a healthy school environment.
Why It Matters
This case is a strong example of what is possible through dedicated, community-led initiatives supported by strategic partnerships. Funded for three years by the West Northants Public Health team, the Food for Life programme is focused on schools in areas of highest deprivation and greatest need, as identified through NCMP (National Child Measurement Programme) data.
Kingsthorpe Grove’s journey illustrates how food culture in schools can be transformed rapidly and sustainably, empowering children with the knowledge and experience to make healthier choices now and into adulthood.
“This is a fantastic example of what schools can achieve when food, health, and education come together in a truly integrated way. The dedication and determination shown by Kingsthorpe Grove’s staff and students is inspiring. Not only are they creating a healthier school environment, but they’re also empowering pupils and their families to make positive lifestyle choices that extend beyond the classroom. The whole-school approach nurtures wellbeing, builds community, and sets a powerful example for others to follow.”