A talented group of Year 10 students at Sidmouth College showcased their culinary skills in the first heat of the prestigious Rotary Club Young Chef Competition this month.  Entrants were tasked with planning, preparing, and presenting a two-course meal, all under the watchful eyes of Rotary Club members and two renowned local chefs who acted as judges.

The competition was fierce, but there was one standout performer: Nancy, who claimed 1st place with her outstanding dishes and will now progress to the next round of the competition. Lily secured a well-deserved 2nd place, and Harry earned 3rd place, impressing the judges with his creativity and presentation.

The overall winner of this national competition will receive a coveted prize of a two-day trip to Tuscany, including exclusive cookery classes where they will learn the secrets of authentic regional Italian cuisine.  Nancy now has the exciting opportunity to cook in the next round, and all participants received high praise for their exceptional efforts.

Sidmouth College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, understands the importance of developing creative expression and practical skills in young people and this event also chimed with these aims.

The Area Director and the Executive Chef from the Victoria Hotel, who judged the competition have kindly passed on their feedback as follows:

The students demonstrated exceptional culinary skills, preparing pasta , freshly baked bread , perfectly cooked fish and delectable chocolate fondants. Each plate was thoughtfully presented , reflecting meticulous care and attention to detail. Their professionalism extended beyond cooking , they maintained clean and organized workstations and supported one another throughout the process. Selecting a top three was challenging as many participants were equally deserving of recognition.

Mrs Lisa Whitworth, Headteacher at Sidmouth College said:

“This competition was a great opportunity for our students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world challenge.  I’m so proud of how they handled the pressure, and it’s clear that we have some budding chefs among us. A huge congratulations to all the students who took part, and we look forward to supporting Nancy as she advances to the next round!”

Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“With Nancy now representing Sidmouth College in the next stage of the competition, the entire Ted Wragg Trust is cheering her on as she continues her culinary journey.  We also want to celebrate the hard work of every participant who brought their best to the kitchen, and are excited to see where their passion for cooking takes them in the future.”