This includes a new identity and core focus around garden to kitchen to classroom, all of which is underpinned by a focus on doing the right thing for people and planet.
Shaped by pupil feedback alongside consultations with headteachers, bursars and consultants, Lodestone House reflects the changing needs of the education sector. It has three key pillars:
- Garden: using fresh seasonal ingredients
- Kitchen: creativity, flare and an inclusive space where everyone has a voice
- Classroom: feeding the curiosity and learning of pupils
Nutrition and education sit at the heart of its food philosophy, with emphasis on wholefoods, wholegrains and scratch cooking across the menus, ensuring that the food pupils eat helps them achieve their true potential. British seasonal ingredients are also featured throughout the year.
Its new education programme Classroom brings to life the nutrition and science behind each dish, helping pupils to learn about food, nutrition and how to make choices that benefit themselves and the environment.
The programme is embedded into school life with educational videos for assemblies and PSHE classes, nutrition workshops and chef-led activities.
Noelle Jones, managing director at Lodestone House, said: “The independent school sector has changed significantly in recent years, bringing both new challenges and opportunities. Lodestone House is our response – not just a name change, but a fundamental evolution of everything we do shaped by the voices of clients, pupils, parents and team members.
“This is about unearthing best practice from across our business, and looking forward to reimagine every aspect of our offer to better support our schools, rooted that commitment in our heritage and underpinned by clear purpose: to nourish, educate, and empower young people.
“Through our three pillars we’re instilling a love for fresh, homemade food from farm to fork, embedding food education into daily school life, and championing social value to support both people and planet. We’ve carefully cultivated our menus and education programme to help pupils thrive – consistently fuelling their minds, supporting their wellbeing, and building vital life skills they will carry into the future.”
The new name draws inspiration from the earliest compasses, which were naturally magnetised when struck with lodestone to guide direction – also a nod to parent company Compass Group. House connects back to Charlton House, now CH&CO, the independent school caterer acquired by Compass Group in April 2024.