Silwood School Of Cookery
Award winning Internationally rated BEST CHEF SCHOOL IN AFRICA
Celebrating 60 years!
Award winning and Internationally rated BEST chef school in Africa, boasting student achievements unmatched by any other school.
Silwood Cookery Courses
Professional Courses
Our program offers a unique culinary education with essential skills for top kitchens and food industries.
Fun Hands-on Cookery Classes
Discover evening cookery classes for adults, corporate cooking events, and fun kids' and teens' classes.
Silwood Partners
Silwood Legacy Thrives
Silwood School of Cookery, Africa's best chefs school founded in 1964 by Lesley Faull, boasts 60 years of unmatched student achievements. Led by Alicia Wilkinson, assisted by her daughter Carianne Wilkinson, the family-run institution has an award-winning status and a global reputation for producing top chefs.
Testimonials
“Silwood offered me the foundations to reach where I have gone and still want to go”
James Gaag
Head Chef - La Colombe
"Silwood has painted and paved so many amazing culinary opportunities for me.
Silwood has definitely been the foundation and anchor of who I am today as a chef"
Katlego Mlambo
Celebrity Chef & Master Chef Judge
"Silwood taught me the principles and disciplines needed to succeed in this career, and gave me the platform to reach for my dreams!”
Jess van Dyk
Chef / Owner - Post and Pepper
“Silwood taught me the discipline you need to work in a fine dining kitchen, giving insight into different cooking styles and the opportunity to work in the top restaurants. With their guidance and support I was able to grow as a chef throughout my career.”
Nina Du Toit
Head chef - Salsify
“My time at Silwood was transformative. The hands-on approach and passionate instructors grew my love for cooking in ways I couldn’t imagine. I walked away with enhanced skills and a deep appreciation for my craft. This is the place for anyone serious about their culinary journey”
Amori Burger
Executive Chef More Family Collection
“Silwood not only taught me the necessary cooking skills, but also the confidence to run and own a successful catering business! I am so grateful and honoured to be part of such an incredible institution”
Annalize Sainsbury
Caterer
“Silwood offers an exceptional 3-year Grande Diplome course that opens doors to top kitchens in SA. Learning from industry leaders, I gained invaluable experience and skills, which have been pivotal in my career. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities and expertise Silwood provided.”
Matt van den Berg
Head Chef - Mertia Group
"Silwood School of cookery ignited my culinary passion, transforming my dream of becoming a chef into a thriving career."
Kerry Kilpin
Executive Chef - Steenberg
“ I learnt so much from my time at Silwood, the skillsets that I gained will stay with me for life and created a great foundation of skills and knowledge which I use on a daily basis.”
Charné Sampson
Head Chef - Epice
“Silwood has been instrumental in providing me with the essential foundations necessary for my professional development, equipping me with the fundamental skills and invaluable opportunities to work in some of the most prestigious kitchens. Through these experiences, I have refined my craft and gained significant expertise that has shaped my career trajectory.”
Caroline Lamb
Head Chef - The Red Room
Accolades and Accreditation
