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Monkton Combe School near Bath has become the first independent school in the South West of England to be recognised with a prestigious award by the Soil Association.

The school, based in Monkton Combe and Combe Down, has received the Silver ‘Food for Life Served Here’ award for the quality of its catering to pupils.

The Soil Association accreditation recognises the efforts that Monkton’s catering staff have gone to in providing breakfasts, lunch and dinners using fresh, sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. Monkton Combe School has a long standing partnership with leading independent school catering company Palmer & Howells to provide their food.

The Silver Food for Life Served Here award recognises that Monkton Combe School serves a range of ingredients from ethical and more environmentally friendly sources, including organic food which supports increased biodiversity and wildlife.

It also means that at least 75% of food is freshly made using seasonal and organic ingredients. Meals are made from scratch, free from undesirable additives, meet UK welfare standards and comply with national nutritional standards.

Bursar at Monkton Combe School, Tom Davies, said, “This is a really significant award from the Soil Association for Monkton and Palmer & Howells. It’s great to know that the food our pupils receive is of the highest quality at all times.”

Stephen Drane, Operations Director for Palmer and Howells, added, “We are delighted for the school and the catering team to be recognised for their efforts in achieving this award. This is a great example of a number of stakeholders working together with the school to achieve a notable goal.”

www.monktoncombeschool.com