Our story
Cook School is on a mission to teach kids about food.
Cook School, as a social enterprise, began by hosting in-person cooking classes with primary schools across the UK. During the course of a day, up to 200 students learn how to cook a simple, yet nutritious, meat-free meal from scratch: to date, more than 200,000 students have enjoyed a hands-on class. Taught by the Cook School team, supported by volunteers, the aim is to engage children in the act of cooking, equipping each with recipe cards to easily recreate that dish at home.
Ingredients and equipment lists are purposefully straightforward: each is designed with a consideration for what each child will have ready access to at home. Every recipe feeds four: dishes generally cost around £1 per head.
The success of the in-person classes — and the desire to reach more children — led to the development of the Cook School digital curriculum. This 6-week course, which is given to state schools free of charge, is a video series hosted by a child cook. In class, children learn how to cook from another child, which Cook School has found boosts engagement. Dishes include curried vegetable samosas, which are made using tortilla wraps instead of pastry; leftover pita pizza, and lasagne. It is currently taught in over 250 schools across the UK.
“We’re encouraging students to see food differently, and make a meal using what’s left in the store cupboard,” says Kristian. “We’re teaching cooking, but we’re also teaching sustainability. We understand what the poverty line is. We want to give kids the tools to create using what’s available. Everything is done to ensure those with the lowest means can still carry out our recipes.”
Partnerships with key sponsors is critical to Cook School’s success.
To date, it has been supported by Linda McCartney’s Foods, World Cancer Research Fund and Electrolux Food Foundation in providing funding, food and equipment.
Adjacent to its work with underprivileged communities, Cook School is also a purposeful brand. It operates Cook School pop-ups, in which it sells artisanal, at-home wares, and at-home recipe kits. Priced from £15, all profits from these boxes, which include ingredients, are donated to the state school programme.
Meet our Ambassadors
Thanks to these fantastic, talented people for their help and support so far. Keep an eye out here to see what they’re up to with Cook School…
Professional Ambassador
Claire Ptak
“Cook School is the coolest project to teach our children how to cook for themselves. Kids eat more healthily when they know how to cook and these cuties love it!”
I’m so excited to be part of Cook School and I will be helping by judging competitions, giving recipes to the courses and much more. I believe teaching our children the skills they need to cook for themselves will help them become happier healthier adults. So much joy comes from cooking with family and friends that can’t be experienced from a takeaway. If a child can grow up knowing how to cook a few basics, they will also be much more self-sufficient and independent. Plus kids love it!”
A California native, Claire Ptak now resides in London where she is the chef / owner of Violet Bakery. Alongside baking, Claire works extensively as a food stylist and writer.
Most recently Claire was commissioned to make the Royal Wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, she created a bespoke cake installation for the couple using vanilla sponge, Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower Swiss meringue buttercream using Sandringham Estate’s elderflower cordial.
Claire is currently working on a new cookbook violetcakes.com
Professional Ambassador
Rosie Birkett
“I’m so excited to be getting involved. What Cook School does is crucial and much-needed in our schools. Cooking is a life skill that has long been underestimated by the education system – home ec was a joke at my own school and so poorly taught. Knowledge about how to cook and feed yourself well should be available to anyone and everyone, and starting with kids at school makes complete sense. Cook School teaches children how to cook for and nourish themselves, while having fun and being creative and this goes some way to supporting their health and happiness for life.”
Rosie Birkett is a cook, food writer and food stylist, and author of two cookbooks ‘A Lot On Her Plate’ and ‘The Joyful Home Cook’. Rosie has been writing about food for over a decade, working for the likes of The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, Easyjet Traveller, Conde Naste Traveller, Red Magazine and Olive Magazine. She is particularly keen on seasonal cooking, and is on a mission to spread joy and inspiration for home cooks, believing that a deeper connection to the food we eat and where it comes from is crucial to supporting health, happiness and wellbeing. Rosie is currently a recipe columnist for BBC Good Food magazine and The Sunday Times, and regularly shares recipes and ideas on her Instagram page @rosiefoodie.
Young Ambassador
Chinwendu, London
“I’m 12 years old. I adore every form of sports, singing, dancing, arts and cooking. I live with my 4 brothers, my dad and my amazing mum, who taught me how to cook. When I was young mum taught me how to make simple dishes, since then I fell in love with cooking. I think Cook School has helped me to love cooking even more.”
Young Ambassador
Sarah, Wales
“I’ve had a real passion for cooking ever since my great gran gave me one of her homemade cupcakes. We cooked and baked together all the time and I learnt all of my skills from her. She was the most amazing cook I could have ever imagined. She taught me all I know and she is the reason I applied to become a Cook School Young Ambassador.”
I am interested in food because the day I first cooked, I realised that I wanted it to be my forever hobby, my daily routine, my everything. I cook regularly and often research recipes if I’m not making my own food. I also love teaching my younger siblings a few secret tricks to making a good meal.
Young Ambassador
Jacob, Wales
“I have been in the kitchen since I could crack an egg. I was a busy toddler and would’t leave my mum alone when she was in the kitchen; I was always given little jobs. When my mum had to work, I went to my Granny’s and she kept me occupied baking cakes. I would find any opportunity to cook.”
On a Monday my Great Grandad comes for dinner. I cook him and my family a meal and try to make food healthier, for example I added leeks and courgettes to a light cheese sauce to make a delicious macaroni cheese. I would enjoy teaching children to cook beacuse I know what a great joy it is and how it can reduce stress levels. I would love for children to learn from me and for me to learn from them.
Young Ambassador
Noah, South East
“I think all kids should cook – it’s fun. I also find that it helps me to stay calm and focus when life gets stressful. I’m looking forward to learning and sharing recipes with Cook School.”
Noah is 12 and has two great passions – food and football. He’s always been goal driven and has done well playing for his school and Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Noah has travelled all over the world, eating everything in his path and has never been shy of tasting local delicacies, no matter how spicy or weird! He’s been experimenting in the kitchen since he was a toddler and his greatest influence has been his Grandmother’s cooking for friday night dinner!
Young Ambassador
Ruby, London
“I think children should take photos of food, there is a lot of enjoyment in taking photos, I find it vey hard sometimes to take photos of food because my mouth waters so much. Yesterday we were in a restaurant and I saw a burger that was lit above it, I found the light interesting and took a photo. Pick up your camera and have a go, but always concentrate. Don’t always take too many photos, instead try to make each one special. Use your time for the photo. Good luck!”
Ruby won Young (10 & Under) category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2018, she is our first student ambassador. Ruby loves to take photos of food and wants to help encourage other children to have a go too.