Join us for our Open Evening at Leiths on Thursday 5th February 2026, 6:30–8:30pm, and discover how the Culinary Diploma can launch your career in food.
Join us for our Open Evening at Leiths on Thursday 5th February 2026, 6:30–8:30pm, and discover how the Culinary Diploma can launch your career in food.
Fast-track into food education. Gain a Masters level qualification in food teaching and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) with Leiths Education’s groundbreaking new course, created in partnership with the University of Roehampton. If you’re a chef or a teaching assistant, or an applicant with a strong background in food or education, guarantee your future in food education with this highly sought-after qualification.
Our Admissions team love to answer your questions and talk through course suggestions that suit your goals.
Made your decision? Book on to this course here and start your future in food.
Guarantee your professional future as an in-demand food technology teacher. Teach students the life enhancing skill of how to cook with a repertoire of modern, delicious Leiths recipes.
Start your career in food education the right way – with a qualification backed by 50 years experience as the cookery education experts and teaching expertise from the University of Roehampton.
This course is designed to open the door to those who are passionate about becoming a food teacher. Therefore, with the right experience behind you in food or education, you won’t need a degree to apply to this course.
A Masters-level qualification for graduates looking for a ‘fast track’ food teaching qualification without Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as teachers with QTS in another subject. This qualification has also been approved for candidates without a degree but with relevant other qualifications and professional experience in the culinary or teaching sectors. For example, teaching assistants with a qualification and experience in ‘supporting teaching and learning’ or chefs who have the Leiths Culinary Diploma qualification. After two years full-time teaching (in two different schools) a candidate (who has an undergraduate degree) can apply to UoR (or other providers) to be assessed for QTS to enable teaching in all schools.
This qualification is delivered on a part-time basis. You’ll do ten immersive in-person days of learning at Leiths Culinary School, delivered jointly by Leiths Education and the University of Roehampton. You’ll also complete ten days of ‘independent learning’, mastering 30 recipes through practical cooking at home. You’ll gain the skills required to deliver food courses and qualifications in schools with confidence.
Each day will comprise a morning ‘theory session’ delivered by UoR and an afternoon hands on ‘practical skills session’ delivered by Leiths. All ingredients, supporting teaching and learning notes provided.
Students must have attendance of ≥80% of the in-person sessions to be eligible for the Advanced Certificate.
There are two flexible study options available:
Cohort 1 – A monthly programme running from January to June 2026
Cohort 2 – An intensive programme delivered in two full-time weeks: one in February and one in May 2026
In the 2025-26 academic year the course will be delivered from Leiths School of Food and Wine in London.
Intensive Cohort 1 – Fully Booked
Intensive Cohort 2
Monday 30th March – Wednesday 1st April 2026
Thursday 9th – Friday 10th April 2026
Monday 3rd – Friday 7th August 2026
Monthly Cohort 1
23rd October 2026, 13th November 2026, 4th December 2026, 8th January 2027, 22nd January 2027, 26th February 2027, 19th March 2027, 23rd April 2027, 14th May 2027, 11th June 2027
Intensive Cohort 2
Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2026
Monday 15th – Friday 19th February 2027
Apply for a grant?
https://aset.org.uk/individual-awards/
The All Saints Educational Trust (ASET) give Individual awards to UK trainee and practising Religious Education and Home Economics (including Food and Textiles) subject teachers support teacher education and help teachers improve their expertise through professional development. In short, to help people become teachers, and better teachers and to encourage them to stay in the profession.
ASET support:
There are two opportunities to apply for the year 2025-26 courses:
For teacher trainee applicants who have already been accepted on a University or equivalent course.
For applicants seeking a teaching top up qualification to follow their initial degree, or those seeking a school-based teaching qualification, or those wishing to further their classroom teaching career with additional qualifications or CPD, you can also apply for awards.
To apply, click ‘Apply now’ at the top of this page to access the application form.
What to bring to the in-person days:
We are happy to make adjustments where possible.
Please read our full policy on allergies and dietary restrictions here.
Setting the standard since 1975
Unlock your future in food
From Michelin kitchens to yachts, the shelves of Waterstones to TikTok, supper clubs to TV
Individual guidance from expert chef tutors to refine your technique
The Level 7 Certificate is a master’s level qualification created for people who want to specialise in food education. Delivered with the University of Roehampton, it helps you build advanced skills in planning, teaching and leading food lessons with confidence.
It’s ideal for graduates, food teachers, chefs, teaching assistants and anyone looking to move into food education. If you want to teach cookery or develop your classroom practice, this course gives you the structure and support you need.
Level 7 reflects study at master’s level. You’ll explore teaching practice in depth and gain 30 credits of advanced professional development recognised across the education sector.
You’ll learn how to design engaging food lessons, manage a practical classroom, develop your teaching style and support learners with different needs. The course also strengthens your own cookery skills through guided practical tasks at home.
You’ll attend ten specialist in-person training days and complete 30 structured cookery tasks at home. Each task comes with clear guidance and video support, helping you grow your confidence in both teaching and practical skills.
Yes. You can join a monthly programme or choose an intensive block format. Both routes follow the same curriculum so you can select the option that fits your schedule.
This course does not give you QTS, but it can support your route into teaching. With two years of full-time teaching experience you may be able to apply for QTS assessment without completing a PGCE.
You’ll need English language skills at GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent plus a short personal statement and CV. If you’re unsure about eligibility our team is happy to advise.
Level 7 courses run throughout the academic year with several enrolment points and flexible delivery options.
Graduates go on to teach food in schools, develop curriculum materials, run community food programmes or work in training and education roles across the food sector.
Apply or register your interest for the Level 7 Advanced Certificate of Professional Development in Food Education
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