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Amanda Barrett, catering manager at Bodmin College, has been crowned Big School Bake Off winner 2015.

The eight bakers were asked to prove their skill in a sweet pastry technical challenge. Amanda’s take on a Strawberry Crème Patisserie took the top spot.

TV Bake Off winner Jo Wheatley headed up the team of judges, which also included Sally Shadrack, vice chair of LACA, Sylvie Babout, LACA representative, and Andy Lagor, Unilever Food Solutions business development chef.

Jo Wheatley said: “This year’s Big School Bake Off has been one of the toughest to judge yet. We had to make some hard decisions, but Amanda’s pastry stood out with its perfect pastry base with a hint of orange and its excellent finish – no soggy bottoms here!”

“I’ve really felt the finalists’ passion at every stage of the competition, and have been bowled over by their skill – schools are lucky to be home to such impressive talent.”

The eight finalists were:
• Katie Thomas, assistant cook, Budbrooke Primary School
• Melanie Sinclair, chef manager, St Paul’s School
• Paula Broome, catering supervisor, Mundy Junior School
• Amanda Barrett, catering manager, Bodmin College
• Stewart Smith, chef manager, Oreston Academy
• Kath Breckon, cook, West Cliff Primary School
• Anne Holley, cook-in-charge, St Saviours Junior School
• Suzanne Robertson, school cook, Richmond Methodist School

Following in the footsteps of Sarah Medlicott, from Torbay School, Paignton, Amanda receives the Big School Bake Off title, plus a trophy for her and her school, a workshop for four with Jo Wheatley and £100 high street vouchers donated by competition supporter Hobart UK.

The Big School Bake Off was launched in 2014 by Unilever Food Solutions, as part of its School Food Programme.