The LACA School Chef of the Year 2025 competition, is sponsored by Bisto, from Premier Foods.
The competition is open to all kitchen-based staff involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK whether from a local authority or contract-catered site, managed in-house, academy school or part of a Multi-Academy Trust.
The national final will once again be held at the LACA Main Event on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July 2025 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with the overall winner announced on the evening of Wednesday 9th July.
Regional final winners will each receive a £100 cash prize. At the national final, the national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2025 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.
Registration is now closed.
Register for your FREE ticket to the LACA School Food Show to watch the National Final.
Meet the 2025 LACA School Chef of the Year finalists.
Key dates
- Registrations open - July 2024
- Registrations close - Friday 13th December 2024
- Closing date for entries - Friday 24th January 2025
- Paper judging - mid February 2025 (dates tbc)
- Regional finals - March and April 2025 (dates tbc)
- Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July 2025 – National Final at the LACA Main Event, Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Download the full entry pack, rules and criteria below.
Highlights from LACA School Chef of the Year 2025
Read more about the LACA School Chef of the Year 2024 competition and finalists