Michelin starred chef Steve Drake will lead culinary arts education at Bournemouth and Poole College from September.
Drake has been appointed to the newly created role of Master of Culinary Arts Education, providing strategic, academic and professional leadership for the college’s Specialised Chefs Programme, which is delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
A former Roux Scholar, he has worked alongside Marco Pierre White, Marc Veyrat and Tom Aikens, and has held a Michelin star at 3 separate restaurants during his career.
His appointment comes as the Compass Building at the college’s Lansdowne Campus in Bournemouth nears completion, with new industry-standard kitchens planned as part of the wider renovation of the site.
Drake said: “Taking on this role is a genuine privilege. The Specialised Chefs Programme has a fantastic legacy, and my goal is to push our students to be resilient, creative, and fully prepared for the demands of modern hospitality.”
The programme has trained young chefs for more than 35 years, combining culinary arts teaching with structured practical experience designed to prepare students for careers in hospitality.
Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Bournemouth and Poole College, said Drake’s appointment demonstrated the college’s commitment to culinary education, adding that students would benefit from his experience and leadership alongside the new kitchens.
Adam Byatt, Chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, said Drake’s experience as a chef and owner-operator would bring valuable skills and teaching to future students on the course.
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