Lodestone House has secured a new 10-year partnership with Eastbourne College Incorporated, building on a long-standing relationship rooted in innovation and a shared commitment to exceptional pupil experience.
The new partnership reflects the strength of the existing relationship and the collaborative approach that has seen Lodestone House support both schools through a period of strategic development. Under the new partnership, Lodestone House will continue to cater for pupils across the college, prep school and nursery.
As part of the new contract, Lodestone House will deliver a forward-thinking catering model designed to enhance choice, wellbeing and engagement. This includes continued rollout of its ‘S.M.A.R.T’ concept, which structures the food offer into five distinct, easy-to-understand choices. Signature dishes will focus on comforting classics with a twist, such as lasagnes or Friday fish with fresh, flavour-led touches. Market-style counters will offer informal, build-your-own options inspired by global street food, such as burrito bowls, wraps and international specials. Active options will support pupil’s energy and performance with balanced, nutrient-rich meals, while Re-use will reduce waste by transforming surplus ingredients in soups, small plates and daily dishes. Treat offerings will add variety through occasional desserts and homemade cakes.
Alongside this, an expanded menu variety and tailored provision will be delivered from nursery through to senior pupils, ensuring age-appropriate choice and nutrition at every stage.
Innovation will remain at the heart of the partnership, with initiatives including upgraded café and hospitality spaces, the introduction of a mobile catering van to support events and boarding life, and the development of new food offers designed to increase participation and improve the overall dining experience. The model also embraces emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives, helping to future-proof the schools’ catering provision while maintaining a strong focus on value and quality.
Lodestone House will also continue to embed its Garden, Kitchen, Classroom ethos across both schools, delivering food education through workshops, chef-led sessions and curriculum-linked activity. This will be complemented by a programme of community engagement initiatives beyond the dining hall planned for the next academic year, including charitable fundraising activity such as ‘charity lunch’ days to support causes like the Matthew 25 Mission, partnerships with organisations such as Team Domenica to support inclusive employment pathways, and environmental action through collaborations with Plastic Free Eastbourne, including staff and pupil-led community clean-up events.
Callum Curtis Bennett, Director of Operations at Lodestone House, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be entering into a new long-term partnership with Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep. This is a multi-year relationship built on trust, openness and a shared ambition to continually raise the bar for the wider school experience – going beyond the catering approach.”
“This new 10-year agreement gives us the platform to go even further, with exciting investment in innovation, facilities and future-facing initiatives that will continue to enrich daily life for pupils and staff alike.”
A key feature of the new partnership is a shared commitment to transparency and long-term value, underpinned by a collaborative contract structure and ongoing strategic engagement with school leadership. Regular review points and annual strategy planning will ensure the catering offer continues to evolve in line with the schools’ ambitions.
Abbey Gough, Chief Operating Officer at Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Lodestone House as our chosen catering provider for both schools. Their strong reputation for quality, innovation and a pupil-centred approach aligns closely with our own values, and we look forward to working together to enhance the dining experience across our schools.”
