Leiths Cookery School  

Dean Close is delighted to be associated with the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine in London and to be the only school in Cheltenham with a franchise to deliver Leiths prestigious professional, industry-recognised qualification ‘Introductory Certificate in Food and Wine'. 

The course provides all the basic skills required to be a competent chef, with a mixture of modern and traditional cuisine, enabling its students to cook for any occasion and any number of people.

This comprehensive introduction to cooking gives pupils a thorough understanding of a wide range of culinary techniques and the science behind them; teaches time management, menu planning and food presentation to give confidence to cook to a professional standard, (independently or in a group); and also trains students in current healthy eating recommendations, and teaches how to shop seasonally and economically with store cupboard recipes and creative uses for leftovers.

The course also includes an introduction to wine delivered by a Leiths Master of Wine guiding students through a tasting of various wines enabling selection of wines to compliment different foods and recipes, as well as a ‘gold standard’ Chartered Institute of Environmental Health level two food safety and hygiene certificate. The course fee includes a set of professional chefs whites and engraved knives, a Leiths 'How to cook’ and comprehensive teaching materials. All ingredients are provided as part of the course and are sourced locally wherever possible allowing students to experience cooking with high quality fresh produce. 

At Dean Close, Leiths is offered during Sixth Form.  It takes five terms to complete, culminating in a final written theory and practical cookery examination. The course can be taken either as part of the Enrichment Block or off-timetable during lunchtimes and evenings. It is delivered by professionally qualified teaching staff at Dean Close, with regular observations and assessments by Leiths chefs.  Progress is closely monitored on a weekly basis to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained. 

Students who wish to use the qualification to find paid work can register with ‘Leiths List’ and be considered for jobs at a junior commis level or as an assistant to continue to develop skills, knowledge and confidence. For students with professional ambitions, the successful completion of the Introductory Certificate can be a fast track to the Leiths Two Term Diploma, a culinary alternative to university.