Pupils Shine at Hospitality Showcase Evening
Posted 19th June 2025
Temple Learning Academy hosted a spectacular Hospitality Showcase Evening on Monday 9 June, at the prestigious Royal Armouries, offering an unforgettable experience for over 250 guests from local organisations and an invaluable opportunity for pupils studying Hospitality and Catering to show off skills developed in school and gain real-life experience.
The event, delivered in partnership with the Royal Armouries, saw GCSE students take centre stage, planning, preparing, and serving a high-quality dining experience as part of their course.
Enjoy the buzz of a great evening, watch the video below.
From working in a professional kitchen to welcoming and serving guests, students demonstrated the full breadth of their hospitality training in a real-world setting.
The event, delivered in partnership with the Royal Armouries, saw GCSE students take centre stage, planning, preparing, and serving a high-quality dining experience as part of their course.
Reflecting on the event, Principal at Temple Learning Academy, Mr Stuart Huddleston commented:
“This wasn’t just an event, it was a showcase of potential. Our students worked incredibly hard to develop professional skills that will serve them long into the future. Many of our students have never had the chance to step into an environment like this, and tonight they’ve absolutely risen to the challenge. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Notable guests in attendance included Cllr Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Children and Families for Leeds City Council, and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds. Their support helped underline the importance of vocational education in creating pathways to future success.
Commenting on the event, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Dan Cohen, said:
“What an amazing showcase both of Temple Learning Academy and all its Hospitality students this event was. I am so proud of every student who took part."
He continued, "As many will know, Leeds sets out to be a Child Friendly City, one of the ways we live this is by supporting young people in gaining real life experiences like this event, working in partnership with businesses and showing what you can do.
The Temple Learning Academy Students are truly exemplifying what our city is all about.”
Temple Learning Academy is part of Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi academy of trust with 16 schools across North and West Yorkshire, including Whitkirk, Meadowfield, Colton and Templenewsam Halton Primary Schools and Temple Moor High School and Sixth Form.
CEO of Red Kite Learning Trust, Mr Richard Sheriff, spoke at the event and praised the school and the talents of the students, saying:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be hosted by the students at TLA, who impressed everyone with their hospitality and catering skills. It was so impressive to see students from the school demonstrate such excellence.”
With backing from generous sponsors including J&B Travel (trophies), Uniwears (uniforms), and AV&C (audio and video equipment), the evening not only celebrated student achievement but also highlighted the power of community partnerships in education.
The school would like to extend sincere thanks to the Royal Armouries for their generous collaboration and to all sponsors and supporters who helped bring the evening to life.
