‘Commando Chef’, real name Mike Beaton, is an SAS marine and part of the Royal Marines Educational Awareness Team (RM-EAT). Through a range of exciting presentations and workshops, RM-EAT aims to develop students’ life skills and awareness of careers and spoke to tear 10 students about food and nutrition.

The full Year 10 cohort from John Whitgift Academy, attended the session.  Altogether they got the opportunity to watch Mike give a live cooking demonstration where he taught them how to make several healthy dishes. The students also listened as Mike gave them an insight into his life and career, including why he chose to join the marines and the experiences he has in the navy.

At the end of the presentation, the students were able to ask any questions they had and learn more about the different career paths in the armed forces. The standout moment of the day came when two students then got the chance to put on the specialised SAS marine kit and feel the weight of the clothing and equipment.

Speaking about the visit from Commando Chef, one student from the John Whitgift Academy said:

“It was amazing to learn more about healthy foods and the nutritional advice given to soldiers in the field. It was also inspirational to hear about Mike’s life as an SAS marine and understand just what it can be like with this type of career. Mike made us feel like we can achieve anything we want to with some drive and ambition.

Providing students with opportunities like this is part of staff’s commitment to deliver a balanced education system around careers and life skills. This means, alongside supporting students in achieving high academic outcomes, they seek to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge they need to develop into responsible, well-rounded citizens with an understanding of the world around them.

Paul Tuffnell, Operational Lead for Careers, said:

“I would like to thank Mike for delivering an engaging and valuable presentation that really captured the attention of our students. At John Whitgift Academy, we strive to ensure all our students have access to a diverse range of experiences and opportunities, so they are equipped with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about their future. Mike returned after previously visiting before the Covid lockdown and we have already captured a return by Mike in 2023. Giving our young people the chance to participate in events like this is just one example of how we support our students in this way.”