2025 School Leader Food Hero The ASSETT Arrows, primary schools across Suffolk

This year’s School Food Leader isn’t a headteacher, or governor – it’s a very special group of 10- and 11-year olds who are doing incredible things!

The ASSET Arrows are a group of young leaders from 15 schools in the Suffolk area, who have spent the past year spearheading food-improvement projects in their schools. They’ve been fighting hard for worthy causes, like healthy school dinners, better mealtime experiences, more sustainable decisions and less waste. 

The kids have also held food summits for their peers, grown vegetables in school allotments, designed their own menus and recipe books, and led assemblies.

So, how did it all come about? Well, it started with the kids asking one big question: “Is it fair that adults always decide what we eat?” And when the answer came back a resounding ‘no’, they decided to challenge teachers and parents to raise their game and empower the students to make good choices and lead healthy lives.

And it’s fair to say the kids have smashed it! Not only has their brilliant work changed how their schools think about food, they’ve also reshaped how adults listen to young voices.

Inspired by the Arrows’ work, the local Trust’s leadership has decided to bring their catering in-house from 1 August 2025, giving students full input on the menu. And it will include the recipes they’ve collected from families across the community, building a menu designed by children, for children.

Well done, kids! You’re showing us all how it’s done.

WHAT THE CELEB JUDGES THOUGHT…

“This is what great leadership looks like: courage, creativity and care. The kids running the ASSET Arrows prove that when young people are given the chance to lead, they can transform communities. Their work is extraordinary and they deserve this award.” Jamie Oliver

“The ASSET Arrows aren’t just students, they’re brilliant system changers,” George Webster remarked. “They’ve inspired a shift in culture across an entire school trust. They are showing that they are the leaders of the future and they are leaders right now!”

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