Find out why school chefs should be entering School Chef of the Year

Seven reasons why you should enter LACA School Chef of the Year 2025

As a long-term supporter, we know that entering LACA School Chef of the Year can have a big impact on chefs, schools and pupils. Whilst there’s a whole host of benefits here are our top seven reasons why you should get involved this year.

1.    Test your skills

The competition aims to develop and showcase a school chef’s skills and ideas. Some school chefs have to follow menu plans and recipes set by others on a daily basis, but what’s great about this competition is it allows you to show off your own food and ideas.

2.    Win amazing prizes

At the national final, the 2025 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.

3.    Enjoy a new challenge

If you are a school chef looking for a new challenge in 2025, this competition gives you the opportunity to develop your creativity and do something outside of your day-to-day routine. It not only improves your culinary skills, but the networking and PR opportunities can help you to grow your confidence too.

4.    Inspire cooks of the future

Over recent years, there has been much debate on how to attract talent to the hospitality and catering industry. With you being in the regional and national spotlight, you could be helping children to see the opportunities your culinary role can give to a young person.

5.    Put your school in the spotlight

The Premier Foods Foodservice team places huge emphasis on this competition within their marketing activity with a strong PR and social media campaign. Being part of it can put your name and school on the map. Getting to the finals could even generate local or national PR for your school.

6.    Cook for industry experts

It’s not every day you get the opportunity to cook for  judges. This year we are delighted to be part of the judging panel and our chef, Louise has a great deal of experience in the education sector so can offer valuable feedback that will help you in your day job.

7.    Have fun!

One of the main reasons for entering is to enjoy an experience you won’t forget. From planning menus and cooking up your dishes to the regional and national events, you will have a memorable experience whatever stage you get to.

Register your interest to be part of the competition here

Key dates for your diary

• Friday 13th December – final date for registrations
• Friday 24th January – deadline for full entries to be returned to competition organisers
• Mid February – paper judging of all entries
• April – June 2025 – regional finals
• Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July – National Final at the LACA Main Event, Hilton Birmingham Metropole.