Two years ago, the then Mayor of the West Midlands, Sir Andy Street CBE was one of a group of people who had the idea of bringing a culinary school and eatery to Chelmsley Wood.

And on a recent visit, Andy was on site to see that vision finally made real.

“We talked about this as just an idea two years ago, but the really wonderful thing is that here it is – on the ground, getting people from across this area into careers in hospitality,” he said. “I’m very hopeful that amongst the students, we’ll find the next celebrity chef of the future.”

Andy was hosted by Adam Pickett, Interim Head of Department and chef lecturer, and Professor Rosa Wells, FE Principal and Dean for STEM as he took a full behind-the-scenes tour. He was taken on the same journey that the students undertake each morning: starting in the Chelmsley Starters lobby where students have time to chat, get changed and prepare themselves for the day ahead, the lobby mirrors the same messaging that greets FE students in our campus buildings, alongside notes on food sustainability and a motivational quote from one of Birmingham’s favourite sons – celebrity chef and TV personality, Glynn Purnell.

Main photo L-R: Cole Rogers (student), Dan Androne (chef lecturer), Adam Pickett and Andy Street