Award-winning catering teacher Arthur has transformed his school’s café into a community hub and turned it into a learning environment where students get the chance to shine.

Arthur is catering lead at Torquay’s Combe Pafford School and oversees the school’s thriving Yellow Frog Cafe, which is rapidly becoming a real meeting place for the local community.

Its success is in part thanks to the recognition Arthur has received since winning the Food Educator award at the 2026 Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards.

The award, which Arthur collected last month from TV personality Mark Wright live at the school on ITV’s This Morning, recognises his work using food to build confidence and open up new opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

When he’s not receiving awards on national television, Arthur works with more than 100 pupils at the school, either pupils who attend Combe Pafford, learners from other schools or those who are being educated outside of school environments.

Arthur said: “The Yellow Frog is a training café with most of the cooking and serving done by students past and present. We currently have an apprentice who was at Combe Pafford. It’s a professional environment.

“It’s a great way for them to develop their skills and learn about food hygiene and allergies and manual handling – all skills that employers want.

“I try and focus on what they would cook at home – so I won’t be doing lots of T-bone steaks. The kids love baking – especially brownies and cookies. I always try and get them to put a creative spin on what they’re making, to slip outside of their comfort zone.

“I use produce from the garden in the kitchen so that students learn where their food comes from.”

This week the café will host a delegation from the Department for Education and the CQC who have asked for a lunch. Arthur is planning a special menu for them – ably assisted by his students.

Arthur added: “It’s about giving learners opportunities. Hospitality is not just about cooking though. The students do everything – taking orders, working on the till, washing up. It’s about life skills and self-esteem is key. Serving is pivotal to help the young people with their communication skills.”

As well as the students, Arthur works alongside a kitchen manager and a kitchen assistant.

Combe Pafford deputy headteacher Jenny McVeigh nominated Arthur for the Jamie Oliver award and she gathered testimonials from students and parents. He knew he had been shortlisted but had no idea he’d won until the TV crew turned up at the school and surprised him.

He said: “All the students knew and yet they kept it a secret. They are such an asset to the school. It really brought a smile to my face. I never thought I’d be nominated for an award. There were more than 750 applicants just for my category.

“I was overwhelmed by the students’ responses. I knew I had a relationship with them but never how much of an impact I had with them. They say they look forward to my lessons. Their behaviour is on point.

“I don’t know anywhere locally that has anything like this. It’s a unique environment to learn in.

“The café has brought in more customers, particularly parents who want to see what their kids do.”

Sarah’s two sons, Vinnie and Alfie, have both been taught by Arthur and she works alongside him at the Yellow Frog. She said: “As a mother, I cannot express the influence Arthur has with my two boys. He has built their confidence tenfold and given them tastes of foods from chocolate sundaes to bone marrow (not my favourite).

“They both love their sessions with Arthur. As a colleague he is just amazing to work with and is a good teacher who brings joy to each individual child in the group.”

Vinnie said: “He's made my confidence boost, given me advice for the gym and on healthy eating. He teaches me lots of new things and makes it fun. He's always been cheerful no matter what! I can speak to him when I need to and he helps me.”

Alfie added: “Arthur is awesome, compatible with a kid like me, understanding and listens – he's perfect. He is everything you would want someone to be as a teacher and his cooking is good too. I like the way he experiments with food and cooking.”

Jenny McVeigh said: “We are incredibly proud of Arthur and the recognition he has received. It has been wonderful to see the fantastic work of our Yellow Frog Café, and the dedication of our staff, recognised through his story.”

The success of the café comes as Combe Pafford prepares to change its designation to a school for children with autistic spectrum condition (ASC) in September. It is currently a school for children with moderate learning difficulties (MLD)

The change has meant the existing buildings and external areas have been undergoing refurbishments over the last few months.

Councillor Nick Bye, Torbay’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Arthur is a truly inspirational teacher who clearly brings his love of cooking and food to life for his students.

“It shows that positive relationships and the right support can bolster young people’s confidence, independence and the skills they need to succeed.

“I look forward to hearing more success stories as Combe Pafford begins a new era as a dedicated school for ASC pupils. ASC is the fastest growing area of need for secondary aged pupils in our area, and we recognise the expertise and vocational offer that Combe Pafford has – as shown by teachers like Arthur and the Yellow Frog Café provision.”