Street food culture

Dining at university used to be all about beige canteen trays, meat-and-two-veg style meals or eating more or less the same dish. But now, student dining reflects a more modern approach, with grab-and-go culture leading the way. As students increasingly eat on the go or in between lectures, they crave food that’s convenient – but that also reflects the diverse communities they’re part of, such as sushi, burritos and curries, alongside plant-based meals, allergen-friendly menus and coffee shops that offer non-dairy alternatives.

Catered-for meal packages 

There is also a growth in catered-for meal packages within student halls, as universities recognise the benefits they bring. Beyond ensuring students have access to at least one nutritious and healthy meal a day, these packages are a powerful way of driving community and supporting wellbeing. What’s more, shared mealtimes are a great way to encourage students to socialise, reducing potential isolation and helping build friendships and communities. At a time when universities are increasingly emphasising student wellbeing, catered-for meal packages will be a big trend in 2026 and beyond.

Bringing in chefs trained in cultures

With international students making up as much as 50% at some universities, there is now a real shift towards authenticity, as universities bring in chefs trained across different cultures to deliver flavours properly. As much as university meals are driven by nutrition, it’s also about comfort and connection, ensuring those who travel to study experience a taste of home on campus.

Power of language driving sustainable menus 

Universities are increasingly providing sustainable, plant-based menus, particularly those pushing agricultural initiatives. Frameworks like Menus of Change – which set out 25 practical principles for healthier, more sustainable catering – are helping universities design menus with sustainability at the core. It’s not just about big and bold shifts; it’s all about the smaller moves that can make sustainable menus more attractive to students.

Technological advancements

With a rising demand for knowing exactly what’s going into our food, universities are tapping into the digital landscape by utilising technology to help with menu prep, labelling and recipe management. Tools like Nutritics are leading in this field by setting standards in online menu management and recipe analysis, including nutrition, allergies and costs, as well as helping reduce waste. Most universities are mirroring the high-street experience with their own dining apps, for pre-ordering meals and checking out menus online, food-focused Instagram accounts run by catering teams and loyalty schemes.

The post University Students and their Emerging and Nutritious Food Trends appeared first on Best of Living.

Early learning that’s out of this world

Kids Planet is a family-led group of nurseries and pre-schools across the UK, delivering high-quality early years education and care. Each setting offers a safe, nurturing space designed to spark curiosity, promote independence and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Outdoor learning is a core part of their philosophy — rain or shine. Every nursery reflects its local community while staying true to the group’s values, which focus on holistic development and inclusive care.

Visit kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

Award-winning education

Ballard, a co-educational day school on the Hampshire–Dorset border, has been named Co-educational School of the Year (ISOTY). With over 155 weekly activities, pupils thrive across academics, sport, arts and design in a supportive and opportunity-rich environment.

The school promotes a growth mindset, balancing strong GCSE results with pastoral care and co-curricular breadth. Their ethos empowers students to pursue excellence while remaining grounded and collaborative.

Visit ballardschool.co.uk

How Le Wagon is preparing the next generation of tech talent

Le Wagon delivers immersive bootcamps in web development, data science and growth marketing — all underpinned by cutting-edge AI tools. With a focus on real-world problem solving and job-ready skills, students graduate confident and equipped for today’s tech economy.

Their hands-on, collaborative approach results in an 86% employment rate post-graduation. Whether you’re launching a start-up or pivoting careers, Le Wagon provides the skills and structure for success in an AI-driven future.

Visit lewagon.com

Specialist STEM education

The National Mathematics and Science College (NatMatSci) is a sixth form that supports high-achieving students in science, maths and related fields. The college environment is defined by intellectual rigour, collaboration and a shared passion for discovery.

With excellent academic results and Oxbridge success, NatMatSci offers everything from expert-led seminars to national competitions. Their STEM Communication Programme ensures students leave not only as scientists — but as articulate, confident thinkers.

Visit natmatsci.ac.uk

Encourage, empower and engage

Roedean is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, set by the sea near Brighton. The school encourages academic ambition, creative expression and personal leadership, helping students grow in confidence and purpose.

With standout A-level and GCSE results, exceptional facilities and co-curricular opportunities including the Roedean Diploma and Wild Fridays, students are supported to thrive in every area of school life.

Visit roedean.co.uk

Exceptional pastoral care and dyslexia support

St David’s College in North Wales offers a truly individualised approach to education. Since 1965, it has supported students aged nine to 19 through academic, creative and outdoor experiences tailored to each learner.

A holistic ethos underpins everything — from specialist dyslexia support to thriving arts and sports programmes. Pupils leave as capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, ready for the next stage in life.

Visit stdavidscollege.co.uk

Be known at Monkton, Bath

Monkton Combe School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school near Bath for pupils aged two to 18. With a focus on individual wellbeing, Monkton supports every student to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Through innovative curriculum design, personalised support and embedded mental health tracking tools like STEER, Monkton nurtures each child’s potential in a community where every pupil is known and valued.

Visit monktoncombeschool.com

Timeless foundations, contemporary world

Caldicott is a prep school for boys aged 7 to 13 located in South Buckinghamshire, just 30 minutes from West London. It offers a broad, rigorous education that balances academic ambition with creative and sporting development.

Pupils regularly gain scholarships to top senior schools and access extensive facilities across the arts, sport and beyond. With boarding now optional in later years and flexi-boarding from Year 3, families can choose what suits them best.

Visit caldicott.com

The post From Early Years to Your Child’s Empowered Futures appeared first on Best of Living.

Will your child pass the 11+ exams?

AE Tuition has been preparing children for the 11+ for over 30 years. Their structured courses help pupils build core skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English — key areas tested in grammar school entrance exams.

The Year 5 11+ (5-month intensive) course is taught in person at AE Tuition’s Slough centre and includes a 13-day Essential Maths module. Intensive summer courses are available both face-to-face and online via Zoom, offering flexible preparation options for different learners.

Visit aetuition.co.uk

Surfing, sailing and a first-class education for girls

Located in the heart of Cornwall, Truro High School offers a vibrant day and boarding experience for girls aged three to 18. Alongside strong academic performance and a broad curriculum, students enjoy over 80 extracurricular clubs — from engineering and motorsports to surfing and climbing.

Graded ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the school is known for balancing outstanding results with holistic development. With dedicated pathways for aspiring medics and STEM students, Truro High prepares girls for future success in a nurturing and ambitious environment.

Visit trurohigh.co.uk

A crafty way to inspire creative minds

Décopatch offers an easy-to-learn papercraft activity that encourages creativity across all ages. Simply tear or cut decorative papers and glue them to papier-mâché shapes — from dinosaurs and dragons to unicorns and superheroes — to create your own colourful keepsakes.

Mini kits come with everything needed to get started and are suitable for ages three and up. With over 200 paper designs and a huge range of shapes, Décopatch inspires fun, focus and imagination — ideal for schools, rainy days or family craft sessions.

Visit decopatch.com

Give your dyslexic child the schooling they deserve

Frewen College in East Sussex is one of the UK’s most experienced schools for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia. It offers day and boarding education for pupils aged seven to 19, with small class sizes and specialist teaching throughout.

Every child is assessed individually, with tailored support plans, therapy access and technology to enhance learning. Recognised for outstanding learning support by the Independent Schools Association, Frewen helps children transform from underachieving to thriving — with progress that can exceed national expectations.

Visit frewencollege.co.uk

Professional development designed for piano teachers

The Piano Teachers’ Course UK (PTC) offers professional development tailored to piano educators at all stages. The programme helps teachers enhance their skills, grow their businesses and create more engaging, effective learning for students.

PTC graduates frequently go on to start their own music schools, gain teaching roles, and maintain long student waiting lists. With in-person and online options available, the course supports confident, motivated teaching and meaningful professional growth.

Visit pianoteacherscourse.org

Why more parents are choosing state boarding schools

Wymondham College is the UK’s largest state boarding school, offering a high-quality, affordable education in the Norfolk countryside. With free tuition and termly boarding from £4,700, it combines academic excellence with a vibrant, inclusive community.

The College offers over 70 extracurricular activities weekly, including sports, travel, debating and creative arts. Rated ‘Outstanding’ across all categories by Ofsted, Wymondham prepares students aged 9–18 for success — with a strong track record of offers from top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

Visit wymondhamcollege.org

Help MiSST give the gift of music to disadvantaged school pupils

The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) provides key stage 3 pupils in underserved schools with free musical instruments, tuition and a classical music curriculum. Their research-informed programme is designed to boost musical skill, confidence and long-term aspiration.

Beyond classroom teaching, MiSST runs orchestras, choirs, residentials and nationwide concerts. By promoting inclusion and creativity, the charity helps students build supportive friendships and pathways to music and beyond — supporting teachers as well as pupils.

Visit misst.org.uk

Prep education’s radical traditionalists

Walhampton is a co-educational prep school for ages two to 13, located on a unique 100-acre site by the New Forest and Solent. Known for its “radical traditionalist” ethos, the school nurtures creativity, curiosity and resilience in a joyful, grounded community.

Full, weekly and flexi boarding begins at age seven, with a dedicated Walhampton Express train service to London. Children are supported to thrive — growing into thoughtful, prepared learners ready for whatever comes next.

Visit walhampton.com

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