Penwortham Priory Academy enhances school catering with Rational cooking systems

Penwortham Priory Academy in Lancashire has improved food quality, kitchen efficiency and working conditions through investment in Rational iCombi Pro combi-ovens and iVario advanced bratt pan cooking systems, helping its catering team provide nutritious meals for around 750 students each day.

The academy places a strong emphasis on ensuring students have access to healthy, freshly prepared food throughout the school day. According to Kate Thornton, Assistant Principal at Penwortham Priory Academy, good nutrition plays an important role in supporting learning and pupil wellbeing. “If they’re not well-fed, they’re not going to work well in lessons. You’re going to be concentrating on the fact that you’re hungry.”

As part of an ongoing programme of kitchen improvements, the school began looking for alternatives to its ageing gas appliances, which were becoming increasingly inefficient and costly to operate. Keith Bolton, Strategic Estates Development Manager, explains: “We’d had a kitchen refurbishment, but as the years went on, the gas appliances were not performing as well as we wanted them to.”

Following a review of available solutions, the school invested in three Rational iCombi Pro combi-ovens. According to Catering Manager Kirsten Billings, the equipment has transformed day-to-day operations. “Before we got the Rational equipment, it was always last-minute making sure everything was cooked on time. It was all very traditional school meal, whereas now we’re moving into the 21st century with the food.”

The kitchen team has seen improvements in consistency, ease of use and food quality. “The food coming out of the iCombi units is simply a better quality. It’s evenly cooked. They’re just magic,” says Billings.

Building on the success of the iCombi Pro units, the school also introduced a Rational iVario advanced bratt pan following a trial period. Replacing a traditional hob system, the iVario has improved efficiency, reduced manual handling and enabled staff to spend less time supervising cooking processes. “One of us would have to man the stove for at least four hours to get the food prepared. It’s just not time efficient. So having the iVario has been a complete game changer,” says Billings.

For Bolton, the benefits extend beyond productivity gains. “Once you’ve embraced the technology, the ideas and the concept, and your staff get on board with how easy they are to use and the time it gives them back to cook more interesting foods, I would say consider looking at the Rational equipment.”

Experience the iCombi and iVario live at a free product demo near you: https://www.rational-online.com/en_gb/see-for-yourself/rational-live-events/