Food at Cothill

Fuel for a Family

At Cothill, we believe that good food is at the heart of a great education. What children eat doesn’t just fill them up, it fuels how they think, feel and learn. That’s why we take food seriously and serve it with a generous helping of creativity and care.

a chef posing for a photo - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

Our dedicated Catering Team, led by the ever-inventive Head Chef Rob, is passionate about providing nutritious, well-balanced meals that support physical health, spark energy, and sharpen focus. From boosting brainpower to encouraging positive behaviour and emotional well-being, every plate is part of a bigger picture.

But it’s not just about what’s on the menu, it’s about how it’s served. Mealtimes at Cothill are an experience in themselves: a time to recharge, connect and enjoy. Children sit at tables with friends and teachers, practising conversation, sharing stories and learning the simple joys of eating together.

a group of children eating at a table - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

The food itself is fresh, varied, and fun: themed lunches, celebratory feasts, family-style dining, and the legendary ‘V-Badge Tea’, eagerly awaited at the end of each term. For our boarders, the day starts with a hearty breakfast and ends with a comforting supper snack, with homemade treats and fresh fruit available throughout the day to keep energy levels steady.

At every stage, the Cothill approach to food reflects our wider values: Family, Foundations, Future. Whether it’s trying a new dish, chatting over lunch, or celebrating another culture’s cuisine, food is part of what brings our school community together, one delicious bite at a time.

View Our Sample Menu

a group of boys at a school cafeteria - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

a woman talking to a group of children in a kitchen - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

a boy preparing food at a school cafeteria - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

Find Out More