Across the schools we support in Scotland, it is the passion and pride of our team members that truly make a difference in the lives of the school communities we serve. From long-serving team members who form a crucial part of the backbone of school life, to award-winning food service teams and standout school events, there have been many memorable achievements and occasions. As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to recognise some recent highlights that reflect the dedication of our teams across our school communities.
Honouring 50 Years of Outstanding Service
Few achievements are as remarkable as a career spanning five decades. This year, we were proud to celebrate Mark Cockburn, a valued cleaner at George Watson’s College, who marked over 50 years of dedicated service.
Mark’s extraordinary contribution was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating not only his longevity but also his loyalty, consistency and pride in his work.
“We were absolutely delighted that Mark Cockburn, one of our cleaners with over 50 years’ service at George Watson’s College, was recognised for the Lifetime Achievement Award. What a star! Such longevity, dedication and loyalty in a career these days are hard to find. Well done, Mark!”
— Amanda Vettese, Account Director
Stories like Mark’s highlight the importance of recognising those who quietly and consistently support the day-to-day life of our schools.
Food Service Team of the Year
Excellence in school catering was also recognised at the Scottish School Food Awards, where Sodexo’s Food Service Team at Edinburgh Academy Junior School was named Food Service Team of the Year.
This award reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to delivering food that supports pupils’ wellbeing while maintaining high standards of quality, care and consistency throughout the school day.
Four Years of Food Excellence at Edinburgh Academy Junior School
In addition to this award success, Edinburgh Academy Junior School is celebrating four years of partnership with Independents by Sodexo, working together to deliver food that is nutritious, sustainable and ethically sourced.
Through close collaboration, the school has once again met the demanding criteria of the Soil Association’s Food for Life programme, achieving the Silver Award for the third consecutive year. This continued recognition reflects a shared focus on fresh ingredients, responsible sourcing and fostering positive food habits from an early age.
An Unforgettable Speech Day at Strathallan School
The end of term was marked in memorable style at Strathallan School, where Speech Day was complemented by an exceptional dining experience.
Thanks to the creativity and dedication of the Head Chef and their team, guests enjoyed food that matched the significance of the occasion. The warm praise received was a testament to the skill, planning and attention to detail that went into making the day such a success.
Proud to Support Our School Communities
Together, these highlights reflect the dedication and excellence of our people, celebrating the high-quality food and service that enhance school life across Scotland. We are proud to support our school partners and look forward to many more milestones to celebrate in the years ahead.