Hipperholme Grammar School has proved it has the right ingredients when it comes to cooking.

The school is one of the three finalists in the national Independent Schools Association (ISA) awards 2014 Healthy Eating awards.

‘Give us this day our daily bread’ has become reality for pupils as caterers Wilson Vale back The Real Bread Campaign with freshly baked focaccia, ciabatta, malted wholemeal and soda bread making it on to the school’s menu.

Cakes, yoghurts and granolas are also freshly made on site from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Head Chef Mandy Bland explains: “We place great importance on teaching children to make good choices when selecting food at lunch times, but with all our menus having nothing but homemade and fresh produce in them (some even grown by our own children once the harvesting season comes around in our allotment and growing beds), the children are assured of fresh healthy food no matter what their preference.”

Headmaster Jack Williams said: “In both Junior and Senior Schools, the catering staff know the children and their varying dietary needs very well and take an interest in their preferences. They mention to teaching staff if they have concerns over the diet of any of the children and celebrate special occasions by preparing and making a feature of the meals associated with the particular day of celebration, such as David’s Day or Chinese New Year.”

The winner of the Healthy Eating Award will be announced at the ISA Annual Conference in Warwickshire on 15th May.