The Independent Cookery Schools Association (ICSA) is the UK’s leading professional body representing independent cookery schools and culinary training centres.
Established in 2014, ICSA operates as an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to recognising and championing excellence in cookery teaching and culinary education across the UK.
ICSA was founded by respected leaders within the cookery school sector who recognised the need for a professional body to help ensure consistent standards in teaching, facilities and student experience.
Today, the association brings together a growing network of accredited cookery schools committed to delivering high-quality, inspiring and responsible cookery education.
When you see the ICSA Certification Mark of Quality Assurance within our Cookery Collection, you can be confident that the experience has been delivered by a school that meets recognised professional standards.
Why ICSA Accreditation Matters
The popularity of cookery schools has grown dramatically in recent years, with hundreds of schools now offering courses across the UK.
ICSA accreditation helps ensure that students and guests can book with confidence, knowing that accredited schools are committed to:
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Excellence in teaching and culinary training
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Sustainability and responsible food practices
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Seasonal cooking and sourcing locally where possible
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Supporting British farmers, producers and suppliers
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Promoting nutrition and healthy eating
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Reducing single-use plastics in professional kitchens
These values reflect a shared commitment to responsible cooking and the future of food education.
ICSA and the GourmetXperience Cookery Collection
GourmetXperience works in association with ICSA to help connect guests with some of the UK’s most respected cookery schools and culinary training centres.
Many of the experiences featured in our Greatest British Cookery Collection are delivered by ICSA-accredited schools, ensuring guests can enjoy cookery experiences that combine expert teaching, inspiring kitchens and professional standards.
When choosing a cookery experience through GourmetXperience, the ICSA Certification Logo provides reassurance that the school has been independently assessed for quality and professionalism.
A Growing Movement for Cookery Education
ICSA founder Stella West-Harling MBE has long championed the importance of cookery education in Britain. 
“The UK now has one of the most vibrant cookery school communities in the world, with schools located across the country from Scotland to Cornwall. Interest in cookery skills has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by food culture, cookery programmes and a renewed enthusiasm for cooking at home.
Since the Covid lockdowns, millions of people have rediscovered the joy of cooking and learning new skills in the kitchen — making cookery schools more important than ever in inspiring the next generation of home cooks, food lovers and professional chefs.
ICSA continues to support this movement by helping schools maintain the highest standards of culinary education and sustainable food practices.”
Stella West-Harling MBE
SEARCH FOR YOUR NEXT COOKERY EXPERIENCE HERE
ICSA Cookery School Gift Vouchers
Our own ‘Gift To Share’ Gift vouchers are accepted by over 25 ICSA accredited cookery schools UK wide. We are hoping to inspire others to teach the next generation of gourmands to apply their gifts to share, inspire and share their new skills and to help improve their own awareness of the Greatest British produce and cook more seasonably and sustainably in the nations kitchens.
