The Cookery Studio

Learning to cook gives children skills, independence and confidence that can last a lifetime.

Our purpose-built Cookery Studio opened in September 2026, creating a dedicated space where pupils can learn about food, nutrition and cooking through practical, hands-on experiences.

6 fully equipped cooking stations
Dedicated tasting area
Used by pupils from Pre-prep through to Year 9
Food Technology taught within the Design Technology curriculum
Life Skills cooking for younger pupils
Cross-curricular learning in subjects including Science, Maths and History
Prep Baking Club and Senior Cooking Club
Hands-on learning in food preparation, nutrition and practical life skills

Featuring six fully equipped cooking stations and a dedicated tasting area, the Studio gives pupils across the school the opportunity to prepare, cook, experiment and, of course, taste what they have made.

Learning practical skills for life

From their earliest years at Duke of Kent, pupils are encouraged to develop confidence and independence.

Pre-prep children use the Cookery Studio as part of their Life Skills programme, beginning with simple, age-appropriate cooking activities.

From Years 3–9, Food Technology forms part of the Design Technology curriculum. Pupils develop practical cooking skills while learning about ingredients, food preparation and nutrition.

As their confidence grows, they learn not simply how to follow a recipe, but how food works and how to make informed choices about what they eat.

Bringing learning to life

The Cookery Studio also creates opportunities for learning across the curriculum.

In Science, pupils can explore nutrition and investigate how ingredients change during cooking. Maths becomes practical through weighing, measuring, quantities and scaling recipes, while History can be brought to life through food - for example by making Anzac biscuits while exploring their links with the First World War.

It is another example of the hands-on learning we value at Duke of Kent School: giving children opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real experiences.

Beyond the curriculum

The Studio is also a place to enjoy cooking simply for the pleasure of it.

Prep pupils can take part in the school's Baking Club, while Senior pupils have the opportunity to develop their skills further through Senior School Cooking Club.

Since opening, the Studio has already been busy with pupils making everything from bread and biscuits to crumbles – learning, experimenting and enjoying cooking together.

Confidence beyond the classroom

Cooking brings together creativity, independence, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving.

Whether pupils are mastering a new technique, trying an unfamiliar ingredient or enjoying the satisfaction of making something from scratch, the Cookery Studio gives them practical skills they can take with them far beyond their school years.