The winners of the Good School Food Awards are presented with a Golden Spoon trophy as well as some prizes, including bundles from partners Tefal and Weber, equipment and resources for their schools as well as special days out.
The judges for the 2026 Good School Food Awards include Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry and Joe wicks. There is also an experienced panel of advisers to help select the winners. Nominations are open now and close at midnight on 12th March 2026. The winners will be announced at the end of June.
They panel of advisors include the School Food People chair Brad Parce, co-author of the School Food Plan in 2014 Henry Dimbleby, chief executive of School Food Matters Stephanie Slater and co-founder of Chefs in Schools founder Nicole Pisani.
There are six categories available for nomination, including:
- This Morning’s Lifetime Achievement Award: The dinner lady who’s made lunchtimes extra special, the school chef who’s always been a hero, or simply someone who’s dedicated their career to making sure kids have access to delicious, nutritious food at school.
- Community and Kindness Award: This person – student or staff member – has shown real kindness through food at school and in their local community.
- The Eat Well, Move Well Award with Joe Wicks: This inspiring, encouraging person is all about getting kids excited about good food and being active.
- Food Educator of the Year: A brilliant food educator who goes above and beyond, teaching the essential skills that will enable their students to lead a happy, healthy life.
- The Sun’s School Chef Champions: The school chef or team that provides great food throughout the school day – from breakfast and lunch to snacks and after-school events, putting love and care into all the dishes they serve and striving to be as sustainable as possible.
- School Food Leader: This leader – whether a headteacher, deputy head, or governor – has a vision for celebrating food in all its forms within the school.