The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) is proud to have pioneered this initiative, and supported schools across Scotland in delivering food hygiene and nutrition qualifications to their secondary school pupils for more than 30 years.
With continued co-funding from our partners in the Scottish Government, REHIS currently supports more than 200 schools across the country, from Shetland and Orkney to the Borders, including the Western Isles. Schools Participating in the REHIS Schools Initiative continues to grow, with over 10,000 pupils achieving a REHIS qualification in 2025 alone.
The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course has been available to schools since 1993. Building on its success, an additional course “Elementary Food and Health” was introduced in 2015, which was in response to increasing demand from schools and learners.
The initiative provides pupils with nationally recognised qualifications that enhance employability, develop practical life skills, and support future education and career opportunities. The programme also assists schools in delivering Curriculum for Excellence outcomes, particularly within the Health and Wellbeing and Food and Health sectors.
For many young people, these qualifications offer a valuable introduction to food safety and public health principles, while providing employers with confidence that pupils entering the workplace have a recognised understanding of food hygiene practices.
Through the continued success of the Schools Initiative, REHIS remains committed to supporting food education and helping young people across Scotland develop knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers.
For more information about this initiative, contact the Director of Training Contact REHIS – REHIS
