Independents by Sodexo has entered into a five-year partnership with King’s School Rochester to deliver catering services.
Under the partnership, Sodexo will serve more than 130,000 meals each academic year to boarding and day pupils across both the junior and senior schools.
The company will deliver breakfast, lunch, supper, and hospitality services from two main kitchens and the on-site school café, Bob Doubles. In addition, a mobile catering trailer will provide refreshments for pupils and parents at the school’s sports centre and playing fields.
It is hoped that over 90% of dishes served at the King’s School Rochester, which claims to be the second oldest school in the UK, will be made from scratch using ingredients sourced from local suppliers, including Watts Farm in Aylesford, Kent.
As part of the agreement, Sodexo will roll out its WasteWatch food waste management programme and introduce carbon labelling across both kitchens, supporting the school’s efforts to reduce waste and raise awareness among pupils about the environmental impact of their food choices.
Through its in-house nutritionist, Sodexo will also deliver assemblies, talks, and workshops on topics such as balanced nutrition and dietary needs during adolescence. In addition, pupils will have the opportunity to participate in Chefs in the Classroom—interactive cookery sessions led by Sodexo development chefs designed to build confidence and practical food skills.
Simon Knight, managing director for Independents by Sodexo, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with King’s School Rochester. Our team is excited to deliver fresh, nutritious, and inspiring food experiences that not only support the school’s sustainability goals but also deepen pupils’ understanding and appreciation of food.
'At Sodexo, we believe food is far more than just fuel, it is a cornerstone of school life that brings people together and nurtures pupils’ wellbeing and growth.”
Nick Ball, bursar at King’s School Rochester, added: “Food plays a vital role in the daily life and wellbeing of our pupils. We were impressed by Sodexo’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and education, and we are confident this partnership will significantly enhance the dining experience across our school.”