The LACA School Chef of the Year 2026 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 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2026 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.
Key dates
- Registrations open - July 2025
- Registrations close - Friday 12th December 2025
- Closing date for entries - Friday 23rd January 2026
- Paper judging - mid February 2026 (dates tbc)
- Regional finals - March and April 2026 (dates tbc)
- Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2026 – National Final at the LACA Main Event, Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Full entry pack, rules and criteria coming soon!
Highlights from LACA School Chef of the Year 2025
Read more about the LACA School Chef of the Year 2025 competition and finalists