Explore our history
Our 50 years
since 1962.
The dawn of the College in 1962
When Lakefield first began, it was known as The Cottage and it was functioning from provisional premises with small groups of trainees.
Opening celebration in 1966
HRH the Queen Mother opened the premises, naming Lakefield as a Housecraft and Educational Centre. It aimed at preparing students in nationally accredited qualifications in Housecraft, Institutional Cookery, and a range of complementary certificates.
City and Guilds Registration in 1980
As the Hospitality Industry in the UK gained momentum, and both the job market and further education underwent major changes, Lakefield registered under City and Guilds to offer industry specific qualifications, becoming known as Lakefield Catering and Educational Centre.
High Level of NVQ Training from 1992
High level of excellence in NVQ training and assessment has characterised Lakefield Hospitality College from 1992 onwards.
Re-Opening celebration in 1995
In 1994 Lakefield closed down for refurbishment of its 1960’s facilities. It celebrated its re-opening in 1995 by inviting HRH the Duchess of Kent , who toured its state-of-the-art training facilities, and met and talked with tutors, parents and trainees.
Student’s & Staff’s medals in 2000’s
Lakefield has becomed a name in Hospitality Industry Training. Some of its students’ and staff’s achievements include a silver medal in the 2004 Junior Pastry Chef Competition at the Birmingham Food and Drink Exhibition; the Compass Junior Chef of the Year Competition in 2005; and a City & Guilds Gold Medal of Excellence in Training and Lecturing for Hospitality Lecturer.
Craft Guild of Chefs Certification in 2014
For the furtherance of excellence in Catering Education and supporting the promotion of the aims of the Guild, Lakefield was presented with the 2013/14 College Certificate by the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Always looking for Excellence
Lakefield continues to keep abreast of changes in employment and training to provide an up to date and comprehensive range of training opportunities, to meet today’s needs.
Lakefield continues to keep abreast of changes in employment and training to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive range of training opportunities, to meet today’s needs. Now, with the new line, Lakefield Academy, we open our doors wider to welcome every single individual. Our offerings have expanded to include short courses, masterclasses, and online classes, promoting an inclusive learning environment. We believe in fostering individual potential and ensuring equality of opportunity for all, as we guide you on your path to entering and thriving in the hospitality industry. Our tailored programs are designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in this vibrant and dynamic sector.
Lakefield Hospitality College is a project of Netherhall Educational Association, Charity Reg. No. 236586is run with a Catholic ethos, and the pastoral care is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Churc
