ICA Accreditation - ICA Chef School

HIGHEST STANDARDS

ICA RECOGNISED GLOBALLY

The Institute of Culinary Arts celebrates 30 years of training excellence.

Recognised associations and affiliations are vital for establishing the credibility and excellence of a chef school like the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA).

It is a true mark of distinction when respected industry bodies and organizations validate the school's commitment to culinary training excellence. Accreditation by renowned culinary institutions, partnerships with global networks, and affiliations with prestigious culinary associations provide an external stamp of approval that assures students, parents, and industry professionals of the ICA’s standards. These affiliations not only enhance the school’s reputation but also open doors for students, offering access to international opportunities and a competitive edge in the culinary world.

At ICA, our commitment to maintaining these endorsements reflects our dedication to delivering world-class education and producing industry-ready chefs who stand out globally.

In accordance with the ETQA Regulation R1127 of the south African Qualifications Authority Act number 58 of 1995 ( SAQA Act No. 58 of 1995) Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the Institute of Culinary Arts is an accredited provider (Provider Accreditation Number: 613/P/000254/2014).

The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has set policies to accredit Skills Development Providers (SDPs). This is to ensure that education and training in occupations and trades offered in the contry is credible and valid. This is in accordance with the Skills Development Act (SDA) (Act 97 of 1998, chapter 6C) as well as the Continuing Education and Training Act (Act 16 of 2006).

Qualifications and curricula from Highfield are offered at the ICA with additional learning, skills and industry-driven standards for all courses. The ICA is proud to be associated with several outstanding institutions that support the upliftment, training and excellence of culinary standards in our industry.

CULINARY EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

OUR ACColades

South Africa's most highly awarded chef school

The ICA was the first-ever recipient of the international World Culinary Awards title of Best Chef Training Institute in Africa, as well as the first-ever school to receive an international City & Guilds Centre of Excellence Award. Other awards and accolades bestowed upon the school is testimony to our longstanding commitment to culinary training excellence and training chefs of the highest calibre.

The ICA is committed to preserving the integrity and ethical standards of culinary awards in an environment where competitiveness can often overshadow authenticity. Our goal is to ensure that awards for culinary excellence truly reflect exceptional accomplishments and that judging panels operate independently of marketing strategies or financial considerations.

BEST CHEF SCHOOL IN AFRICA

In 2021, ICA made history by becoming the first-ever South African culinary school to receive this prestigious accolade. In 2022, ICA took a significant step by voluntarily withdrawing from future contention, thereby creating space for other culinary institutions to pursue their own recognition.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Following the ICA's two international gold medals of excellence in 2017, principal and founder of South Africa’s best chef school, Letitia Prinsloo, received the prestigious Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong contribution to culinary excellence.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

In 2017 only three chef schools globally met the utmost criteria, with ICA named Centre of Excellence for Africa. Measured against schools with intakes of thousands of students, the ICA received this accolade as best, most exclusive and student-focused chef school on the continent.

TUTOR OF THE YEAR

City & Guilds honoured the exceptional training offered by the ICA through awarding Head of Faculty and Senior Pâtisserie Lecturer, Merizle Mitrovich, with a Medal for Excellence as Tutor of the Year for her unfailing commitment to the ICA’s culinary training ethos.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Receiving the award marked a significant milestone for the ICA - both as culinary training institution as well as successful business with Kobus Prinsloo at the helm. This prestigious award highlighted the ICA's role as a pioneering institution that made a remarkable impact on both the local and international culinary landscape.

IACP AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

This award underscores the ICA's world-class standards in culinary education and honours its commitment to developing exceptional chefs through innovation, hands-on training, and creativity. Recognition by respected international bodies solidifies the ICA’s position as leader in the future of culinary arts.