Michael Caines Academy
Excellence in Hospitality
The Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College aims to nurture the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house staff by providing high profile experiences, challenging practical and theoretical workshops and masterclasses from the best the industry has to offer.
Working with Michael Caines MBE, the Academy combines practical, professional catering and hospitality qualifications with a range of work placements and demonstrations involving the region’s most renowned food experts.
Michael Caines Academy is a unique opportunity to combine catering and hospitality qualifications with a range of additional opportunities that will drive students to achieve excellence in hospitality.
Michael Caines MBE
Michael Caines MBE is one of the UK’s most celebrated and acclaimed chefs, a successful and imaginative hotelier, a respected spokesperson for the hospitality industry, and a patron and fundraiser several of national and local charities and community organisations.
He runs and owns the prestigious Lympstone Manor, a luxury five-star country house hotel in Devon overlooking the tranquillity of the Exe Estuary and the Jurassic Coast. The Manor is proud to boast five AA rosettes, for the fourth year running, and one Michelin star.
Michael has built his reputation on a highly personal and distinctive modern cuisine that celebrates the finest local and seasonal produce and ingredients from Devon and the South West along with drawing on influences from his travels around the world. Students taking part in the Academy will benefit from his knowledge and expertise.
The Course
The Michael Caines Academy is a unique programme of study that will not only give you the qualifications and practical experience you need but combines it with opportunities and experiences to inspire you to achieve the highest level of excellence.
The Academy is a chance for students studying the VRQ Level 1 or VRQ Level 2 Professional Cookery courses to be selected to take part in the specialist opportunities that the Michael Caines Academy offers (all students will start at Level 1, VRQ Level 2 is our progression route). The courses are based in the Laurence Building at College’s Hele Road site, which boasts modern kitchens and a stunning commercial restaurant within the faculty. The award-winning student-run restaurant, @thirty-four, has been awarded the AA College Restaurant of the Year, the highest accolade a college restaurant can achieve. The restaurant also achieved an AA Highly Commended College Rosette, find out more here.
What opportunities will I have?
Demonstrations from guest chefs and organisations including Michael Caines MBE, Mark Dodson, MC Kelly, Bovey Castle, Gather Restaurant, Environmental Health Department and more.
There are numerous external visits to catering producers, factories, hotels and restaurants such as Lympstone Manor, Quickes Traditional Cheese, Ashburton Cookery School, Riverford Farm, Billingsgate Fish Market, and Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons.
Students on the courses also take part in a six-week work experience placement in both years – previous placements have included Gidleigh Park, The Ritz Hotel (London), The Goring Hotel, The Elephant and Le Champignon Sauvage (Cheltenham).
What are the entry criteria?
Due to the technical skills required, all students will begin their training at Level 1. The additional experiences undertaken on the course mean that it is a demanding programme, so the entry criteria are higher than the usual requirements.
You will need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. We are looking for people with a passion for hospitality and catering – you may have some work experience in the field or have entered cookery competitions and challenges in the past.
The Academy is selective – you will be asked to take part in a two part interview process prior to being accepted onto the Academy.
How do I apply?
Please apply for the VRQ Level 1 course through the College application system as all learners start on Level 1. The Academy is selective and there will be a two part interview process.
Apply for 2025/2026
Once you have completed your College course application, you can apply for an Academy.
Click below to apply.
The Academy team will then review your application and shortlist candidates for audition.