International hotel firm helps students host dinner

A specialist college and training hotel for young people with learning disabilities says it is "challenging people's expectations" by working with chefs from the Hilton hotel.

Students from Aurora Foxes, at Minehead in Somerset, recently catered and hosted a dinner to mark World Down Syndrome Day with the help of staff from the international hotel chain.

Mark Costello, the principal of Aurora Foxes, said: "Too often the conversation around Down's syndrome focuses on limitations, but when you come into our hotel you see skill, you see professionalism and you see real pride."

Immy, one of the students at the college, said she enjoyed cooking and "making the desserts or puddings".

The college has been working with the Hilton hotel brand since 2015.

Esther Brittan, manager of HR operations in the UK & Ireland Hilton, said the partnership "is an absolute privilege and hugely inspiring" and it "empowers everyone to thrive".

Students marked the 10 year anniversary by demonstrating their hospitality skills at the Waldorf Hotel in London.

Foxes Hotel is the UK's only fully operating training hotel for young people with learning disabilities.

Costello added: "Obviously World Down Syndrome Day is an important moment in the calendar for us as a college. It's about showing what students can actually achieve.

"Our students are learning industry standards in the moment, every single day," he said.

Harry, another student at the college, said he enjoyed "doing everything".

He said: "I do like serving food, yes."

Brittan added: "We're starting to see across the industry a huge amount of momentum, particularly employing individuals with a learning disability, with Down's Syndrome, and breaking those barriers down.

"It's evident what benefits these team members bring to our businesses," she added.

In June 2025, the students were invited to demonstrate their hospitality skills at the Waldorf Hotel to mark the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes.

The collaboration has provided 89 work placements with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton.

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