Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE has been honoured as the first ever Patron of Exeter College.

Michael Caines – one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs – is a former student of Exeter College and longstanding supporter of the college.

The Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, founded by Michael and launched in 2011, develops the next generation of hospitality leaders. The Academy aims to nurture the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs and waiters by providing high profile experiences, challenging practical and theoretical workshops and masterclasses from the best the industry has to offer.

Michael has also served on the Board of Governors at Exeter College, giving his time and expertise. Michael attended the college where his precocious talent was already evident, earning him the accolade of ‘Student of the Year’ in 1987.

Exeter College has created the role of Patron of the college to acknowledge the exceptional achievement of alumni and other distinguished friends of the college, and to allow the college to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and experience of those designated. Michael was honoured as the first ever Patron of Exeter College at the recent Exeter College Student Awards.

Patron and former Exeter College student Michael Caines MBE said: “It’s an incredible honour to become the College’s first Patron. I’ve worked with the College over a number of years and in my role as a Governorhave admired greatly its ambition and drive in their achievement of becoming an Outstanding College.

“The solution for economic prosperity is in preparing the next generation with the skills to deal with the challenges and opportunities for a better future. My aim as a Patron is to inspire as many as I can to follow their own dreams and support the college in its drive to deliver outstanding education within this community that means so much to me.”

Philip Bostock, Chair of the Board of Governors, said: “We are all thrilled that Michael has accepted this unique new role for him in the College. He is a hugely distinguished former student, passionate about everything he does, unstinting in his support for and commitment to the college and a huge inspiration to our students. As our first ever Patron I know he will make an enormous contribution to our vision of being exceptional in all we do”.

John Laramy, Principal, said: “I am delighted that Michael Caines has agreed to be our first Patron, Michael is an ex-student of the College and an excellent role model for young people. He works with staff at the college to set up and run his academy, which encourages the pursuit of excellence in hospitality and catering.

“He is generous with his time and spends many hours supporting the academy and the college more widely. As Patron I look forward to working with Michael and would like to thank him for working with us here at the college to help make Exeter College not just an outstanding college, but, in the future, an exceptional college.