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The Good School Food Awards celebrate the amazing catering teams, holiday programmes, campaigners and unsung heroes who, day in and day out, go the extra mile to make sure Britain’s schoolchildren are well nourished – the heroes that make school food brilliant.

The team of judges includes Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry, Prue Leith, Joe Wicks and Greg James. Current LACA chair Anita Brown alongside immediate past chair of LACA Brad Pearce and LACA vice chair Judith Gregory were involved as expert panel advisors.

Commenting on the eight winners, Oliver said: “After the huge success of last year’s awards, we knew there were many more unsung school food heroes who deserved some big love. These are the people who go the extra mile to feed our kids good food and teach them about the joy of cooking.”

The eight winners include:

The One Show’s Rising Star Award: Chef Russ and his team at Pokesdown Community Primary School in Bournemouth

Chef Russ and his team prove you don’t need fancy equipment to cook incredible food. From their tiny, one-oven space – affectionately called Pokey Kitchen – they deliver 330 delicious, nutritious school dinners every day.

Food Educator of the Year: Michelle Woodard, The King Edmund School in Essex

Michelle is one of those special teachers who knows exactly how to inspire her students, and all while teaching them the essential skills that will set them up for life.

The Food for Fuel Award with Joe Wicks: Jen Craven, Ysgol Trefonnen Primary in Wales

Jen’s infectious energy knows no bounds, and it’s helping her make a real difference in her local community. She’s a creative force for good, making fresh, nutritious food accessible for everyone – all while making exercise fun.

The Sun‘s Catering Team Champions: Chef Hugo and the team at Reach Academy in London

Chef Hugo and the team know exactly how to inspire the next generation to eat healthily, ensuring they thrive in school.

Sustainability Star: Sixth Form Hub at North Ridge High School in Manchester

The judges couldn’t have been more inspired by the North Ridge students’ dedication to sustainability. From their allotment to their school kitchen, their second-hand shop to the café, sustainability is very much at the heart of all they do.

Heart‘s Kindness and Community Award: Naomi Parkinson from Ingol Community Primary School in Preston

At school she’s transformed the food culture by bringing the catering in-house and using school-grown food to make sure the meals are healthy.

School Leader Food Hero: Miss Hackett, new Lubbesthorpe Primary School in Leicestershire

She understands how important food is to children’s education, in particular ensuring they know where it comes from. Plus, she realises its power, being passionate about creating positive memories for her students through the joy of food.

Youth Activist of the Year: Madie Toplass from Thistley Hough Academy in Stoke-on-Trent

Over the last five years, she’s raised more than £8,000 for her school, donating it to the food department, as well as providing seeds so younger students can learn to grow.