Lincoln College Catering Student Secures £20k Bursary for Artisan Food School

Lincoln College catering student Maddy Ingham is preparing for the next stage of her culinary career after securing a bursary package worth £20,000 to study at the Artisan School of Food & Hospitality. 

Maddy began her journey at Lincoln College in September 2024 on the Level 2 Professional Cookery course before progressing onto the Level 3 Professional Cookery programme, based at the college’s on-campus Sessions Restaurant. 

During her time at college, Maddy has continued to build her skills both in the classroom and through industry experience. She completed work experience at the college’s finishing school restaurant, The Old Bakery, gaining valuable experience in a professional kitchen environment. As part of her course, she has also had the opportunity to develop her own menu and lead kitchen service at Sessions Restaurant. 

In October 2025, Maddy was recognised as a finalist in the Young Chef of the Year competition after taking part in a three-course cook-off alongside some of the county’s emerging culinary talent. She attended the Lincolnshire Life Taste of Excellence Awards 2025 at the Drill Hall alongside fellow Lincoln College students Harry Lee and Lucie Cairns, celebrating the achievements of hospitality students and professionals across the region. 

Lincoln College catering students also benefit from annual visits to the Artisan School of Food & Hospitality. During a visit in April 2025, Maddy and her peers developed their skills in sourdough bread making, creating baguettes, flavoured loaves and house breads, while also learning butchery techniques, added-value preparation and cooking over fire. 

Following these experiences, Maddy has now secured a place on the Higher Diploma in Artisan Baking and Business Skills at the Artisan School of Food. She has been awarded a Barbara Curtis Trust bursary covering £16,000 in course fees, alongside an additional £4,000 contribution towards accommodation costs. 

The bursary will support Maddy as she takes the next step into the food and hospitality industry, building on the practical experience and opportunities gained during her time at Lincoln College. Are you ready to take the next step after school? Apply now to study Catering this September.