Sixth formers win award for sustainable school menu

Herbs, fruit and vegetables are all grown at the on-site allotment

Sixth-form pupils with special needs have been recognised for growing their own food and preparing it for their school's meat-free menu.

Catering company From Plot to Plate is run from North Ridge Sixth Form Hub in Blackley, Manchester.

The pupils are involved in every aspect of the business, including promoting environmentally-friendly practices.

It has earned them a Sustainability Star Award by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Sixth formers Radiya (left), Mercedes (centre) and Keiran (right) have been recognised by Jamie Oliver

Students Braeden, Keiran and Mercedes said they were extremely proud their work had been recognised.

"We were very excited and happy," said Braeden.

"I was a bit surprised," Keiran said. "I didn't think we were going to win it. It's just teamwork."

"We got excited. Everybody was cheering," said Mercedes, describing the moment they were given the award.

"We did the most hardest thing we could to win this, and we did it!"

The students also run a pre-loved clothing store called 2ND Handmade, a cafe called Cup and Cake and online gift shop called North Ridge Gift Co.

They all have a focus on reducing their impact on the environment.

The pies, cakes and bread they make through From Plot to Plate are also sold in their cafe, which was a winner in this year's Manchester City Council Be Proud Awards.

The students were surprised with the award

'Incredibly proud'

The school said it hoped the businesses and awards would help the students gain future employment.

Sarah Read, business director at North Ridge High School, said: "For us as a school it's something we're incredibly proud of, because our young people really take charge of the businesses and the way they're run.

"We want to showcase what they do and we want the world to see just how amazing these young people are."

Teacher Sophie Spaul wants business owners to be more open-minded when taking on new employees.

"There are so many people who would not take on a person with special educational needs and they really are an asset to us.

"Without the pupils' hard work, we wouldn't be able to achieve what we do here."