The awards celebrate and promote Scotland’s educational institutions that prioritise wellbeing, sustainability, healthy living, community collaboration, exceptional foodservice staff and the provision of high quality food and nutrition.
There are 11 categories across the spectrum of foodservice, from nutrition, well-being and innovation, to technology, sustainability, community interaction and employee achievement. Nominations were judged by an independent panel of experts from the education, foodservice and technology sectors.
The awards ceremony will be held at Glenalmond College on the evening of Friday 20th February 2026. The Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Thomas Franks Scotland, and The Special Award will be announced on the night.
The list of finalists include:
The Community Benefits Award
- Aberdeen City Council/Soil Association
- Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh
- Morrison’s Academy, Crieff
The Hospitality Education Award, sponsored by Independents by Sodexo
- Elgin Academy, Morayshire
- Fairview School, Perth
- Hutchesons Grammar, Glasgow
- Parkhill Secondary School, Glasgow
The Healthy Living Award, sponsored by Eat Balanced
- Glasgow City Council
- Mackie Academy & ESS, Aberdeen
- Williamwood High School, Glasgow
The Sustainable School of the Year Award
- Cullivoe Primary School, Shetland Isles
- Glasgow Gaelic School
- Hutchesons Grammar School, Glasgow
The Student Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey Scotland
- Aleisha Begg, Mackie Academy, Stonehaven
- Taylor Guilfoyle, Portobello High School, Edinburgh
- Ben Malcolm, Mackie Academy, Stonehaven
The Wellbeing in Education Award, sponsored by Avendra International
- Ardvreck School, Crieff
- Fairview School, Perth
- The Royal High School, Edinburgh
- St Columba’s School, Inverclyde
The Foodservice Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Unico Ltd
- Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire
- Fairview School, Perth
- Lochcarron Primary School, Wester Ross
- Loretto School, Edinburgh
The Employee of the Year Award
- Linda Gondek, Glenalmond College, Perthshire
- Karina Kay, Carricknowe Primary School, Edinburgh
- Ford McGill, Lodestone House
The School Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Highland Game
- Vladimirs Kruus, Fettes College, Edinburgh
- Artur Pohnke, Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire
- Bruce Price, Strathallan School, Perthshire
- Toni Talavera, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh