Tewinbury Cookery School, receive ‘Centre Of Excellence’ award for quality teaching and facilities, awarded by leading industry body ‘ICSA’.
Tewinbury Cookery School Awarded Prestigious ‘Centre of Excellence’ Accreditation by ICSA
Tewinbury Cookery School, set within the scenic 700-acre working Tewinbury Farm just 25 miles from London, has been awarded the coveted Centre of Excellence accreditation by the Independent Cookery Schools Association (ICSA) for its exceptional teaching standards and state-of-the-art facilities.
The cookery school offers a wide range of hands-on classes celebrating fresh, seasonal produce sourced from trusted British suppliers. These same suppliers, and on site allotments, provide ingredients for the school, on-site restaurants, and guest accommodation, creating a fully immersive farm-to-fork experience for visitors.
At the helm is Executive Chef Tutor Lee Maycock, whose illustrious career includes time at two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, The Ritz in London, as well as catering for Lucasfilm productions worldwide, and providing nutritional support for the England men’s football team at two World Cups. A Fellow of The Craft Guild of Chefs, Lee combines his professional pedigree with an engaging teaching style that caters to all skill levels. {read our exclusive interview with Chef Tutor Lee Maycock here}
Classes cover everything from global cuisines inspired by Lee’s travels, to specialist courses in meat, fish, and knife skills. In the summer months, outdoor BBQ and smoking sessions make the most of the school’s stunning farm setting, complete with a chalk stream just outside the door.
A Rigorous Seal of Approval
ICSA accreditation is awarded only after a thorough assessment of teaching quality, facilities, environmental sustainability, and commitment to supporting British farmers and seasonal produce. This industry-recognised benchmark is invaluable for aspiring professional chefs, while also giving home cooks the confidence to develop transferable skills in a safe, expertly guided environment.
James Day, Director of Operations at ICSA, praised Lee’s expertise and approach: “The depth and knowledge of Executive Chef Tutor Lee is second-to-none. His ability to adapt, communicate clearly, and create an inclusive learning environment was evident throughout our assessment. The cookery school’s design and location are exceptional, and the positive feedback from students—many of whom were returning attendees—speaks volumes. We are delighted to once again award Tewinbury Cookery School our coveted ‘Centre of Excellence’.”
A Chef’s Pride
On receiving the award, Lee said: “I am delighted to be recognised by ICSA for our quality teaching standards and facilities. Being assessed is always a little daunting, but the ICSA team were supportive and professional throughout. It is an honour to receive this accreditation and to be listed among the most respected cookery schools in the UK.”
Corporate and Specialist Classes
On the day of the ICSA assessment, Tewinbury Cookery School was hosting a corporate team day for the Commercial Team of charity Coeliac UK. Lee designed a bespoke gluten-free menu, including bread-making, meat marinades, and outdoor BBQ cooking, ensuring complete food safety for those with coeliac disease.
Christopher Kidd, Director of Commercial Sales at Coeliac UK, commented: “As a charity, we value interactive team days that reward our staff. Lee’s class was one of our favourites—not only fun and engaging, but fully gluten-free and safe for our team. Coeliac disease is a serious condition, and chefs like Lee who understand its challenges are essential to our mission of making safe gluten-free food widely available.”
With its blend of expert instruction, locally sourced ingredients, and unique farm setting, Tewinbury Cookery School has firmly established itself as a destination for both aspiring professionals and passionate home cooks. The Centre of Excellence accreditation from ICSA marks a new milestone in its commitment to delivering outstanding culinary education.
More information on coeliac disease, including diagnosis, tips and gluten free recipes, visit their Coeliac Uk website here
For more information on Tewinbury Cookery School and a link to their courses visit here
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