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As part of an action-packed day, which took place at Premier Foods HQ in St Albans, the finalists had their recipes checked by Premier Food’s senior culinary advisor and SCOTY head judge Louise Wagstaffe. Each of regional finalists’ recipes will go on to feature in a new Premier Foods recipe book, which will be made available via its website after the competition.

Wagstaffe said: “First and foremost, the talent on show in this year’s competition has been outstanding. LACA’s School Chef of the Year is the standout calendar event in the education catering sector, so it’s always a privilege for me, as head judge, to be part of such a fantastic competition.

“I’ve been really impressed with the creativity behind each of the final dishes, including how each chef has used Premier Foodservice products in their recipe. I’m excited to see them come to life. I’m wishing the very best of luck to each of the finalists.”

The finalists heard from 2020 and 2021 SCOTY winners Holly Charnock and Rob Chambers who shared stories of their own experience, explained how to best deal with the high-pressure competition environment as well as talking about how the competition has progressed their careers.

Premier Foods’ social media agency Digital Blonde provided the finalists with essential tips on how to effectively utilise their own social media channels to showcase their school food. The chefs were also given a brief media training session by Premier’s PR and communications agency William Murray to help them prepare for any media interest they receive before, during and after the finals. The chefs were then treated to lunch, prepared by the Premier chef team.

Sarah Robb, foodservice marketing manager at Premier Foods Foodservice, added: “We are thrilled to support the SCOTY finalists on their exciting journey towards the finals. As this year’s sponsor, Premier Foods is committed to empowering these talented chefs, providing them with invaluable resources to help them shine on the national stage.

“From offering valuable insights through previous competition winners, to delivering bitesize training sessions on social media and media interviews, we’re proud to be able to contribute to the growth and development of culinary talent in the education catering sector. Good luck to each and every one of the finalists – we can’t wait to see how they get on and of course showcase their recipes in our upcoming recipe book after the finals.”

The finalists of this year’s competition include:

• East Midlands winner, Lorna Nolan from Breadsall CofE VC Primary School (Derbyshire County Council)
• North West winner, Paul Hardy from Tarporley High School (Midshire Signature Services)
• North West wildcard, Matthew Bennett from Alsager School (Aramark)
• South East wildcard, James Noakes from Maidstone Grammar School (Impact Food Group)
• Wales winner, Joanne Cox from Ysgol y Graig (Chartwells)
• London winner, Raheem Morgan from Torridon Primary School (Chartwells)
• South East winner, Mark Kent from Norton Knatchbull (Impact Food Group)  
• Yorkshire & Humberside winner, Kirsty McAndrew from Oakworth Primary School (Midshire Signature Services)
• East of England winner, Brenden Eades from Felsted School
• South West winner, Jennifer Brown from Sarum Academy (Academy, part of Atalian Servest)
• West Midlands winner, Andrew Polymniou from King Edwards VI Aston School (Chartwells)