Who took the title of LACA School Chef of the Year?

Raheem Morgan wins LACA School Chef of the Year

There is a new School Chef of the Year as the 2023 award has gone to Raheem Morgan following an exciting final held at LACA Main Event. Jennifer Brown from Sarum Academy (Academy, part of Atalian Servest) finished in second place and wildcard James Noakes from Maidstone Grammar School (Impact Food Group) came third place. Raheem cooked an Asian crispy fishcake with edamame bean and miso puree, served with a wasabi mayonnaise and crispy garnish. His dessert was a deconstructed lemon cheesecake with apple and basil gel, apple crisp, cherry compote and egg white meringue.

Raheem currently works at Torridon Primary School, where he has been the unit manager and head chef for two years. After taking the title, he said: “It means the world to win – I’m on cloud nine. I’ve been used to coming second and third but this year it’s me who’s won and I’m so happy. I’ve put so much time and effort into it and so to win is not only great for me but for my brilliant team at school and Chartwells too. Both have supported me with the dish creation, tasting, giving feedback and stepping in while. The competition has helped me to grow.”

He plans to spend some of the £1,000 winnings on taking his school team out to say thank you for their help.

Head judge, Louise Wagstaffe from Premier Foods, said: “It’s been a tough year to judge because we’ve seen amazing standards and very high level skills. We’ve seen a great use of ingredients on a tight budget and it’s been lovely to see so many different dishes created from the same ingredients from the Bisto brand, with each chef’s own inspiration and influences in their design.

The SCOTY competition aims to show the high quality of school meals and the contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of children.

The 11 finalists, who had competed at regional heats across the country, were judged on the use of Premier Foods products, working practices in the kitchen, creativity, appearance, taste and flavour. They had just one hour 30 minutes to create four portions of their two-course menu.

Sarah Robb, foodservice marketing manager at Premier Foods, added: “It’s so important to support the education catering industry which is what this competition is all about – showcasing the amazing talent in the industry. School meals are so important for children to eat and socialise together, but also to try different foods together. School chefs have so much influence on the children they cook for to show them new food, give them the opportunity to try new flavours and really understand nutrition and healthy eating.”