Our schools
Every independent school is unique with a distinctive ethos and character. We enjoy bringing the best of our experience to support each one. Our area management team are highly talented individuals who have gained extensive experience of working with senior day schools, prep schools, pre-prep schools and boarding schools. What unites us is a strong desire to provide a great service and get things right. As a child develops through their independent education their needs change. We reflect this through our tasty, appealing menus, caring pastoral support in the dining room and age-appropriate food-related activities in school. We also know how important it is to provide real variety and balance for boarders who start their morning with us at breakfast and look forward to a homely, welcoming supper with us at the end of the day.
Prep
Pre-Prep is where it all starts. Just as children are laying the foundations for a life of learning and rich experience, they are also taking early steps towards a healthy mind and body. This is where food plays an essential role. We love bringing the fun and excitement of food to our youngest pupils. Colours, textures and taste are there to be explored and enjoyed. There is always something on the menu for each child to enjoy. Just trying a food is fine – we know that each child’s palate develops at their own pace. We train all our teams in dining room pastoral care with Norland College, because we know that the way we talk to and encourage our youngest children will mean their meal time experiences are enjoyable and fun.
Senior
We understand that as pupils develop through senior school, our role is to ensure they eat a sufficiently balanced diet to support them in their academic and sporting activities. We also recognise the importance of social interaction and with this in mind, we create exciting social spaces that establish a sense of community.
Boarding
We really do know just how important evenings and weekends are when it comes to providing great food with the best service in a welcoming environment. From great, hearty roasts on Sunday or Japanese & Mediterranean garden suppers in the summer, we always engage with our school communities at every level as often as possible to ensure every meal is special and well received. Well managed kitchens and dining rooms really are at the heart of everything we believe in to provide a consistent great dining experience seven days a week. The key to this is having the appropriate senior chefs and managers on shift to support and manage our teams.
Mr Michael Punt, Headmaster, Chigwell School
Senior
“Food here is a major highlight of school life and it is true to say that the food here is exceptional. Chartwells Independent give our chefs the freedom to create menus that are just right for the fast paced nature of Chigwell School as well as the varied tastes of our pupils. They also support pupil education through their enrichment programmes, championing the all-important role of nutrition and healthy eating in developing both body and mind.”
Richard Brent, Bursar, St Faith’s Preparatory School, Cambridge
Prep
The Chartwells Independent team at St Faith’s were re-appointed to provide the school’s catering and housekeeping services following a challenging tender process. Fundamental to the success of the new contract is a focus on strong team development, innovation, commitment and value for contract. We have been delighted with the Chartwells Independent approach to delivering an excellent service in both areas. The food is universally regarded as first class, the housekeeping is excellent and the commitment of the on-site team is fantastic.