Independents by Sodexo has been awarded a prestigious five-year contract to deliver bespoke catering services at King’s School Rochester, the second oldest school in England.
The partnership will see Sodexo serve over 130,000 meals each academic year, enhancing the dining experience for both boarding and day pupils across the Junior and Senior schools.
Under the agreement, Sodexo will provide breakfast, lunch, supper, and hospitality services from two main kitchens and the popular on-site retail outlet, “Bob Doubles.” The catering team will also serve pupils and parents at the school’s sports centre and playing fields via a mobile catering trailer, enhancing match day and event hospitality.
The school selected Independents by Sodexo for its fresh food ethos, commitment to local sourcing, and innovative approach to food education and sustainability. Over 90% of dishes will be made from scratch using ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers, including Watts Farm in Aylesford, Kent. Beyond serving great food, Independents by Sodexo also stood out for its focus on engaging pupils in nutrition, sustainability, and food culture through an exciting calendar of enrichment activities.
With a shared commitment to sustainability, Sodexo will introduce its WasteWatch food waste management programme and carbon labelling in both kitchens, helping to reduce food waste and educate pupils on the environmental impact of their food choices. These tools will support the school’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes student sustainability ambassador roles, food waste challenges, and themed eco-awareness days.
Food education will be a central feature of the partnership and Sodexo’s in-house nutritionist will deliver assemblies, talks, and workshops on topics such as balanced nutrition, the impact of food on mood, and dietary needs during adolescence. Pupils will also be able to take part in “chefs in the classroom” sessions, interactive cookery classes led by Sodexo development chefs to build confidence and practical food skills.
With a long-term goal to achieve 90% school meal uptake by year four, Sodexo will also introduce more flexible ordering options for senior school pupils to improve accessibility and convenience. The team will also enhance boarders’ experiences by unifying catering services into a cohesive, home-from-home offering.
Simon Knight, managing director for Independents by Sodexo, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with King’s School Rochester. Our team is excited to deliver fresh, nutritious, and inspiring food experiences that not only support the school’s sustainability goals but also deepen pupils’ understanding and appreciation of food. At Sodexo, we believe food is far more than just fuel, it is a cornerstone of school life that brings people together and nurtures pupils’ wellbeing and growth.”
Nick Ball, Bursar, added: “Food plays a vital role in the daily life and wellbeing of our pupils. We were impressed by Sodexo’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and education, and we are confident this partnership will significantly enhance the dining experience across our school.”
ENDS
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About Sodexo
UK and Ireland
In the UK and Ireland Sodexo employs around 30,000 people, and partners with public and private sector clients across many markets including business and industry; government and agencies: defence, schools and universities; sports and leisure; energy and resources, justice and healthcare.
Sodexo is a purposeful business, built on the principles of creating a better every day for its colleagues, the people it serves and the communities in which it operates.
Through its sustainable food services, hospitality, and the operational excellence delivered through comprehensive facilities management solutions, Sodexo is a leader in delivering valued experiences, serving the daily needs of millions of people every day.
Sodexo is the founding partner of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a UK registered charity. Since 2005 the Foundation has been focused on empowering the most disadvantaged communities across the UK and Ireland to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and poverty. The Foundation supports a number of projects and organisations focused on improving skills, supporting mental health, mentoring, providing education opportunities and building financial literacy and confidence from an early age.
Worldwide
Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model.
Thanks to its two activities of Food and Facilities Management Services, Sodexo meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.
Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, Bloomberg France 40, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.
Sodexo key figures
— 23.8 billion euros Fiscal 2024 consolidated revenues
— 423,000 employees (as at August 31, 2024)
— #1 France-based private employer worldwide
— 45 countries
— 80 million consumers served daily
— 7.7 billion euros in market capitalisation (as at June 30, 2025)
Sodexo wins five-year catering contract with historic King’s School Rochester
August 2025
“We’re delighted to be partnering with King’s School Rochester,” said Simon Knight, “Our shared ambition is to deliver a catering service that is enriching, sustainable, and aligned with the school’s values. We want food to be more than a meal — it should be part of the learning experience and contribute to pupils’ overall wellbeing.”
This new partnership reflects Sodexo’s vision to deliver world-class, values-led catering in independent schools — services that not only nourish but also educate, inspire, and support school communities to thrive.