In the newest instalment of our ‘In the Spotlight’ series, we chat with Mark Coltman, who joined Oakham School at the beginning of the academic year as our new Director of Catering.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I joined the Oakham School team this summer as Director of Catering having worked in hospitality for 14 years across a wide range of jobs. I had my own company for seven years, I have worked at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, as well as hotels within what you’d call the ‘norm’ of the hospitality industry.
What is included within your role at Oakham School?
My role as Director of Catering covers everything related to hospitality and food at Oakham School, from the day-to-day operations of the Barraclough Dining Hall, to events and match teas.
What has been your favourite thing about working at Oakham School so far?
I really like the campus; it is different to any other private establishments that I have worked at. Oakham School stands out to me because of the setting and how spread out it is. You can find out about or visit a new area every day.
What are the main differences between working in a school as opposed to other catering positions?
The biggest thing with Oakham School being a boarding school is that you are feeding children and adults breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, so you are able to see a lot of patterns and can build trends in what you serve more than in any other external-facing catering business.
You have to make sure that you offer an array of different options daily as you are likely to be feeding the same 1,000 children and 500 adults at least 6 days a week, 40 weeks a year, so it is important to have that variety.
Of course, nutrition is very important for children as they are active and growing. A key job of the catering team is to ensure that each child is well-fuelled for lessons and co-curricular activities.
Is there anything that people don’t know about the Catering Department?
People probably don’t realise that catering is actually one of the biggest departments at Oakham School. With close to 50 staff, we represent around one tenth of the workforce here at Oakham. People probably don’t know or realise this because there are so many people working behind the scenes.
Do you have any plans for the future of catering here at Oakham School?
I think the great thing about Oakham School is that there are so many opportunities to help the catering team go from strength to strength. You have a blank canvas here, which is different from contract catering, and I can imagine opening more sites and outlets in the coming years.
What is your favourite meal?
I am quite traditional and I don’t think anything can beat a good Sunday roast!
Did you know?
