2025 This Morning's Lifetime Achievement Award Colleen Green, Beacon Primary School, Walsall

After 55 years, it’s fair to say Colleen has dedicated her life to Beacon Primary School. And at the heart of all of it all has been her love for food, and her belief in its power to transform lives.

She first attended the school at the tender age of three, when she was a pupil and her mum was the school cook. Then she returned as a dinner lady, before becoming a teacher, and now she’s Assistant Head, where she’s set up her very own food curriculum from scratch. 

She ensures that every child in the school learns to cook at least three meals each year, gaining real-life skills, confidence, and above all, having fun. And all the while she’s instilling a love of food, broadening their knowledge, and inspiring an enthusiasm for making their own delicious, nutritious meals.

Colleen enjoys sharing the love of food so much, she encourages students to come to school by offering “Cooking with Mrs Green” sessions to those with the highest attendance rates. In fact, it’s one of the most coveted rewards! And the meals she cooks with the children aren’t just for the classroom, either – they’re taken home, often becoming household favourites, or they’re cooked for special guests, including headteachers from around the area, sharing the love of food.

She extends this love and kindness to parents too, who are invited to join her ‘fine dining sessions’ – complete with tablecloths, glasses, and conversation – where they can enjoy their children’s cooking. And it’s a huge hit, with almost every event selling out. 

Colleen’s legacy is clear to see. Her work is a testament to how food can change lives, foster a culture of community, inclusion, and healthy living that continues to ripple outwards. Well done, Colleen, you’re a very worthy winner of our first ever Lifetime Achievement award!

WHAT THE CELEB JUDGES THOUGHT…

“Colleen is an absolute inspiration. To dedicate your whole life to one school and to keep showing up with love, energy and care every single day, it’s just amazing. She’s changed lives through food, through kindness, and through pure passion. What a woman, and what a legacy. I’m so honoured to help celebrate her!” Josie Gibson 

“What Colleen has done at Beacon is extraordinary. She’s taught generations of children not just how to cook but also how to care. Her work is a beautiful example of how food can build community, confidence and compassion.” Jamie Oliver

Huge thanks to our partners Tefal and technology partners Wonde for making the awards possible.