Hear first-hand insights from the school team shortlisted for two School Food People Awards
Recognised for their innovative, student-first approach to school dining, Cheryl Barker and Keith Bolton will join CRB Cunninghams at The School Food Show 2026. Hear their firsthand insights, ask questions, and try the self-service technology supporting their success!
The results
Join us at The School Food Show
- 7-8 July 2026
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole
- Stand H2-7
Watch: One Year On at Penwortham Priory Academy
We are delighted to congratulate Cheryl Barker, Keith Bolton and the Catering Team at Penwortham Priory Academy on being shortlisted for two prestigious School Food People Awards for Excellence.
Cheryl, Strategic Business Development Manager, and Keith, Strategic Estates Development Manager, have been shortlisted for the Nan Berger Memorial Award, recognising exemplary work in innovation, accreditation and collaboration. Meanwhile, the Penwortham Priory Academy Catering Team has been named a finalist for the Secondary School Catering Team Award, in recognition of its commitment to improving students’ lunchtime experience.
These nominations recognise more than operational improvements. They reflect a fresh, student-first approach to school dining that has reimagined how lunchtime works for students, staff and the catering team alike.
"It's been unbelievable, really. The changes that have happened to our catering service, the difference it's made to the pupils and to their lunchtime experience has just been fantastic."
Cheryl Barker, Strategic Business Development Manager
A Better Lunchtime Experience for Students
Like many schools, Penwortham Priory Academy wanted to tackle the challenges that can impact the lunchtime experience: long queues, little time to eat and socialise, and barriers that can discourage students from making full use of the catering service.
By introducing a modern, self-service school dining model, the school has achieved measurable improvements across the board:
- Lunch service time was halved from 30 to 15 minutes, reducing queues and giving students more enjoyable breaks.
- The extra free time has enabled 20% more students to attend lunchtime clubs and activities.
- The rising popularity of school meals has increased pupil transactions by 8% and catering revenue by 14%, boosting sustainability.
- Students receiving Free School Meals spend 49% more of their allowance, due to clearer visibility of balances, menus, and pricing.
- Increased sales and improved reporting helped the school cut food waste by 75%.
Together, these results demonstrate a student-first approach that delivers benefits far beyond the dining hall.
In the video above, Cheryl and Keith share how these outcomes exceeded many of the school’s original expectations, and the unexpected benefits they’ve discovered over the last year.
"The system's vastly improved the flow through the whole dining space. It's dramatically increased the speed that they get through there, far beyond what we anticipated."
Keith Bolton, Strategic Estates Development Manager
Meet Cheryl and Keith at The School Food Show
We’re thrilled that Cheryl and Keith will be joining the CRB Cunninghams team at The School Food Show on 7-8 July 2026. Come along to hear their story and ask your questions.
Visitors to the show can speak directly to the people who led this transformative project, and learn about the practical steps involved in creating a more efficient, engaging and sustainable lunchtime experience, including:
- The challenges that prompted change
- How the school developed its student-first approach to dining
- The impact on student experience, participation and wellbeing
- Lessons learned throughout the project
- The measurable outcomes achieved across the school
For schools looking to improve their own lunchtime provision, Cheryl and Keith’s insights offer a valuable real-world perspective from school leaders who have successfully delivered that change.
Experience the Technology Behind the Success
Visitors can also get hands-on with the Self-Serve Kiosks that support Penwortham Priory Academy’s revolutionary school dining model.
Attendees can try placing orders for themselves to see how the system streamlines service, improves operational efficiency, and creates a more enjoyable dining experience for students.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Reduce queues and improve service speed
- Increase meal uptake and catering revenue
- Reduce food waste and loss
- Support student wellbeing and choice
- Create a more enjoyable lunchtime experience
Our team will be on hand to discuss how a modern, student-first approach to school dining can help deliver measurable results.
Join Us at Stand H2-7
If you’re attending The School Food Show, we’d love to welcome you to our stand. Come and meet the CRB Cunninghams and Penwortham Priory teams, hear the story behind an award-recognised approach to school dining, and discover how self-service technology can support your school’s goals.
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