The duo also received top awards from Suffolk New College
An award-winning chef and a first-time lecturer were celebrating graduating as teachers this week.
Luke Bailey, 49, from Trimley St Martin, is a former head chef of the two AA Rosettes and four red stars Salthouse Harbour Hotel.
He is now cooking up a storm as a lecturer based at Suffolk New College.
He has been a chef for 30 years and always wanted to teach the next generation of chefs, so he started his journey in education two years ago.
As a result of his efforts, Luke passed a certificate of education with flying colours and even won an award from his employer.
He is now the proud holder of a qualification that he studied at the University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College. Luke said: “I managed to get a teacher’s job at the college. I then studied my teacher training, and I’ve enjoyed the transition from the kitchen to the college. I have no regrets, and I absolutely love it.
“Although I’m now a teacher, I still stay involved with industry, keep up with trends, do private dining events and visit hotels and restaurants. I keep my finger in as many pies as possible so that I can give the learners the very best education possible.”
“Whilst I unfortunately was unable to attend graduation, it was a very proud moment for myself. I was able to share that moment with my colleagues and the exec team who hosted a dinner for everyone who became teachers.
“I even got the award for teacher trainer of the year, and that was a nice accolade from my peers. It was lovely that my hard work was recognised. It’s really satisfying. I made a life decision, and I’ve finally succeeded.”
And to those who are thinking about going into teaching from industry – he added: “It’s a great career choice. I had to do this course and my maths GCSE – so it’s not been easy – but it has been worth it.”
Luke will now continue with his career and will be branching out into the future to support apprentices as well as part-time and full-time learners.
Jack Kean, 22, from Norwich also graduated this week from University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College.
The lecturer in game arts and animation gained a certificate in education. (He had previously secured a degree in game arts design from the Norwich University of the Arts in 2024).
Before his degree, Jack studied a games course in Bury St Edmunds and was asked back to chat to current students about his time at college.
It was during that session that he had a eureka moment and realised that teaching was for him.
He explains: “I was invited over to talk about my experiences and had a really good session. It felt amazing, and I decided then that I really wanted to go into teaching.
“My former lecturers gave me some advice, and I ended up doing the teacher training programme and now have a full-time position at Suffolk New College. I’ve really enjoyed fostering a community that I care for. It’s been fantastic.”
On the ceremony, he said: “It was really nice. I went with my mum. In comparison with my previous graduation, this felt very homely and cosy.
Jack also won an initial teacher education trainee of the year award from the college, gaining a certificate and a £50 voucher.
On the award, he said: “My name and award were announced at graduation, and it was quite a surprise – but a great moment for me and for my work to be recognised. I was honoured.”
Marek Hornak, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Commercial and Academic Partnerships at the University of Suffolk, said: “Graduation is an incredibly special time in Ipswich, and it was wonderful to celebrate the successes of our graduating students from the University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College.
“Our partnership with the college is ensuring learners can progress further into higher education in courses such as civil engineering, education and teacher training, and we look forward to seeing our graduates thrive in their careers.”