Over 70 pupils from schools across Devon not only got the chance to meet the region's two Michelin starred chef and his Academy students, but also were treated to a formal fine dining experience Exeter College's @34 restaurant, tasting top class delicacies such as pea and ham panna cotta and truffle pomme puree- certainly not your ordinary school dinner.

The pupils from QECC in Crediton, West Exe, Uffculme and Dawlish schools were treated to a gourmet four-course lunch to sample the standard of cuisine and style of dining that is at the centre of the new Michael Caines Academy and meet some of the Academy's first students, in its first year at Exeter College.

“We are very proud that our ex-student and now famous chef launched the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College less than a year ago and that our first group of trainees are able to demonstrate to others their passion for the industryv, said Rob Bosworth Assistant Principal, “The Academy aims to nurture the region's future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house staff. The problem we sometimes have is that some 14-16 year olds have never experienced excellence in hospitality and therefore they cannot aspire to perform at that level. This event was to enable a wide range of students across Devon to experience the standard being produced by the new students and helping them to understand what excellence in hospitality looks, feels and tastes like.”

“We work in partnership with many schools across Devon on our 14 – 16 programmes in a wide range of subject areas which aim to help pupils gain vocational qualifications as a first step to careers. We're not always able to provide such unique experiences as working with an international star but we were delighted that Michael was able to meet these pupils and inspire them to not only consider the hospitality and catering industry as a first choice career but to challenge them to have the highest possible expectations.”

Current Michael Caines Academy students, who were selected for the Academy after a challenging interview and selection process, were able to talk to the school pupils about the range of visits, experiences and demonstrations that make up Academy programme and showed the would-be chefs the range of skills they now have.

After speaking to many of the school pupils, Michael said “I'm always pleased to get the opportunity to talk to younger students, particularly those who are already expressing an interest in Hospitality and Catering, since I know how important it is to be inspired and encouraged. I've had my challenges but I am passionate about my work and this event was a great way to show students from across the region the quality of the cuisine and service the Academy students are producing and the industry now demands. I'm really keen on ‘home-grown' whether that's the food products we use or the talent that we nurture! The pupils were quite shy to start with but as soon as the food was served it was great to see how surprised they were with the different flavours.”

Meeting Michael Caines for the first time, Elliott Hope from QECC, 15, said “This has been fun and exciting meeting people from other schools I didn't know – the food was exquisite.”

Commenting on the menu that included confit of duck terrine Mick Matthews from Dawlish said “The food wasn't what I expected, I thought we were going to get normal food so this was good – a surprise”.

Katie Stairs from Uffculme who's thinking of being one of Michael Caines Academy elite in the future said “It was a really good event with delicious food. It was also a great way to meet new friends. I'm interested in catering and though it sounds like hard work I'm confident that I could cope with the pressure.”

Mr Richer from West Exe, one of a small group of teachers who travelled with the schools groups, said “This has been an inspirational and motivational experience for all who are thinking of being involved in hospitality”.

Huw Southcott, deputy head of Hospitality and Catering at the college said “The school pupils seemed to enjoy the experience and we're hoping that it will have raised the profile of excellence in the hospitality and catering industry. It is very important for our Academy students to take every opportunity to develop their skills – whether that is here in the restaurant, in catering exhibitions and demonstrations or in the many ‘excellence visits' that take place across the year.”