Priory's new food service outlet is officially opened by former teacher

Priory’s Pod has officially opened for pupils and the community.

The food service Pod is located between the Science Department and the Technology Block and is used by pupils as well as now being open to the public who use the Priory facilities out of school hours.

The Pod was officially opened by former Food Technology teacher Shelley Lewis-Lavender who was at Priory from 1980 before she retired in 2019.

Former pupil Emma Rooke, who left Priory in 2014, was also invited to the official opening who, under Shelley’s tutelage, won a number of chef competitions and has gone on to have a successful career in the world of catering.

Also in attendance were trustees, representatives from builders Austin Watson Ltd, staff and pupils.

Vice Principal Mrs Cowell said: “The food service Pod is more than just an outdoor cafeteria - it is a practical solution to enhance our facilities and offer a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

“The Pod will provide students and staff with access to delicious hot snacks and drinks throughout the week. But its purpose extends beyond the school day; on evenings and weekends it will also serve members of the public, creating a space where the community can connect and share a little warmth and hospitality.

“As well as convenience, this food service Pod symbolises our commitment to improving the school experience for everyone. It will be a place to pause, refuel, and connect, whether during a busy school day, attending an event or using our sports facilities outside school hours.”

Miss Lewis-Lavender said: “I haven’t been back to Priory since I retired so it’s lovely to be invited back and appreciated. It’s nice seeing all the changes since I was here.”

Miss Rooke said: “I am always glad to come back to Priory and there have been such massive changes at the school since I left and it’s exciting to see it as it is.

“To have a Pod like this would have been amazing in my school days.

“Lunch and breaks are a massive part of school life. It’s a time to spend time with friends and areas like this will certainly aid that.”

Steve Peters from Austin Watson said: “It took around four-five weeks to build the Pod over summer and these facilities are getting more popular in schools, having nice seating and eating areas which are more like a café than a canteen.”

Strategic Estates Development Manager Mr Bolton said: “We had the idea of a Pod and then researched to see which companies offered these types of facilities that could give us the flexibility that we required. We decided upon purchasing the POD Unit and equipment from Bournville Catering, who are experts in this field.

“It’s been very popular with pupils and has been set up as a ‘grab and go,’ so pupils can get something to eat on their way to play sports.

“Street food is popular with the younger generation and then at weekends and evenings the community can get a warm drink and food while they are watching or taking part in sport.

“It will bring revenue back into the school that we can reinvest with more facilities like this.”

Year 11 Emily said: “I like the Pod, it’s accessible and just easier to get something to eat. The Bistro can get over-crowded so this makes it a lot easier, especially if you are heading off to the 3G.”

Year 11 AJ added: “The Pod is great, it eases congestion at the Bistro and it’s really convenient if you are coming from Tech or Art.”

Miss Lewis-Lavender and Miss Rooke then judged a cake decorating competition with Year 11 Jolie crowned the winner.

Jolie said: "I was surprised. I take GCSE Food Tech and we decorated the cakes in our lesson so it took about an hour. Food Tech is my favourite subject.”