Industry Accreditation & Recognition

A Professional Community of Cookery Schools

ICSA accreditation recognises schools that deliver consistent excellence in cookery teaching and student experience.

All schools are independently assessed by experienced industry professionals, reviewing:

• Teaching standards
• Course structure
• Kitchen facilities
• Overall student experience

Successful schools are awarded the ICSA Certification Logo, a recognised mark of quality that demonstrates credibility and professionalism to students and industry partners.

Membership connects you with a network of like-minded cookery school owners, chefs and educators.

Benefits include:

• invitations to the annual ICSA conference

• member forums and discussions

• collaboration opportunities between schools

• sharing industry knowledge and best practice

Together, members contribute to raising standards across the UK cookery school sector.

Commercial Benefits for Members

Marketing & National Promotion

ICSA membership also delivers practical operational benefits designed to support independent cookery schools.

These include:

• Professional supplier discounts with catering and equipment partners

• National purchasing discounts on catering supplies

• Cashback rebates based on supplier spend

• Access to professional services including photography, marketing, PR and website support

These partnerships help members reduce operating costs while improving their marketing and brand presence.

ICSA actively promotes its member schools through a range of national campaigns and communications.

These include:

• Promotion through the ICSA website and cookery school directory
• Social media exposure across ICSA digital channels
• National initiatives such as British Cookery Schools Week
• Collaborative campaigns with industry partners
• Promotion through lifestyle media and food networks

Members may also be featured within curated experience promotions such as the Greatest British Cookery Collection, helping introduce courses to a wider consumer audience.

Enquire here

National Campaigns & Industry Advocacy

Student Engagement & Loyalty

ICSA members take part in national initiatives designed to promote cookery education and British food culture.

These include:

• British Cookery Schools Week (October)
• Seasonal campaigns celebrating British produce
• Partnerships with organisations supporting British farming and food

Members also help champion the core values of:

• Sustainability
• Seasonality
• Sourcing regionally
• Reducing single-use plastics
• Supporting British producers and suppliers

ICSA supports member schools through its growing ICSA Cook’s Club, connecting past, present and future students.

Benefits include:

• Student discounts and offers
• Exclusive course promotions
• Competitions and culinary content
• Partner discounts on cookery equipment and books

This initiative helps schools build ongoing relationships with their students beyond the classroom.

A Professional Community of Cookery Schools

A Not-for-Profit Organisation Supporting Its Members

Membership connects your school with a network of like-minded cookery school owners, chefs and educators.

Benefits include:

• Invitations to the annual ICSA conference
• Member forums and discussions
• Collaboration opportunities between schools
• Sharing industry knowledge and best practice

Together, members contribute to raising standards across the UK cookery school sector.

ICSA operates as a not-for-profit organisation, meaning any surplus revenue generated through campaigns, promotions or partnerships is reinvested into the membership fund.

This ensures continued development of:

• National marketing activity
• Industry promotion
• Member support initiatives.