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The regional final, which took place at MKN’s kitchen in Cannock, involved three school chefs competing for a place in the competition’s national final. Aaron was the first school chef to secure his place at the 2024 SCOTY final.

For his main course he created a coconut stuffed aubergine and coconut dahl, flavoured with curry powder. For dessert he made pineapple cake topped with caramel and served with a creamy lemon curd custard.

Louise Wagstaffe, Premier Foods development chef and SCOTY head judge, said: "It was great to see Aaron's passion for great school food shine in both his dishes today. The balance of flavours in the lentil dhal was exceptional, made with Sharwoods curry powder, and accompanied by fresh flatbread cooked to perfection and the judges could understand why it is a popular dish on his menu.”

Regional final winners will each receive a £100 cash prize. At the national final, the 2024 national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2024 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.

Premier Foods Foodservice, producers of Bisto the main sponsor of SCOTY, added: "Congratulations to Aaron for delivering some outstanding school food in the regional finals – it was a tough judging process but he thoroughly deserves his spot in the national finals.

“You can really start to feel the excitement and buzz now as we enter the latter stages of the competition. We look forward to seeing Aaron at the national finals, where he will have another fantastic opportunity to showcase his culinary skills and put his school food on the map.”

The LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) is now in its 30th year and has drawn national attention with the annual winners often appearing on TV to showcase school cooking.

School meal providers can register for free entry to the LACA School Food Show to watch the competitors in action.