We are back!

FutureChef is back! Springboard’s FutureChef is our school-based culinary programme comprised of two dynamic elements. Introducing FutureChef Jnrs, (S1-S2 Scotland, Year 7-8 England and Wales, or Year 8-9 Northern Ireland), our new and exciting programme that serves as an introduction to culinary skills to students at an earlier stage and develops their appetite for cooking. FutureChef the Competition is our flagship programme for S3-S5 (Scotland), Year 9-11 (England and Wales) or Year 10-12 (Northern Ireland). Beginning their competition in school, young people across the nation compete through four stages, school heat, local final, regional final, culminating in the national final in London in March.

Here are the key differences between our two programmes:

FutureChef Jnrs

• Must be in S1-S2 (Scotland), Year 7-8 (England and Wales), or Year 8-9 (Northern Ireland)
• Online chef-led learning – an introduction to topics such as nutrition, food hygiene and knife skills (can be accessed online at home or in classroom)
• Exciting cooking experiences, challenges, and competitions (submitted online)
• FutureChef BakeOff (an online baking competition, judged by industry professionals, where participants will be asked to bake a fruit tart of their own design, and submit pictures, recipes, and time-plans online)

FutureChef the Competition

• Must be in S3-S5 (Scotland), Year 9-11 (England and Wales) or Year 10-12 (Northern Ireland)
• Four-staged schools-based competition across the UK
• Engaging students with practical cookery
• Opportunity to work with a mentor chef throughout latter stages of competition
• Online support modules to integrate with skills and learning throughout competition

Throughout the FutureChef programme, we will support young people’s learning by introducing them to themes such as sustainability, plant-based and zero waste cooking, as well as providing them with insights into the industry, from professionals in their field. We will also provide careers advice and guidance, to encourage young people to explore a career within the hospitality industry and offer a pipeline into sustainable and exciting employment.

Where to register

Registrations are open now for you to take part in our competition, and we would love to have you on board with us! Whether you are a teacher, student or chef, there’s a registration form for you to fill out. Find out below to discover which form is right for you:

Teachers: to register your school to take part: Teachers – FutureChef

Students: if you are home-schooled, or your school is not taking part in FutureChef: Students and competitors – FutureChef

Chef and Industry Professionals: to support programme through judging and/or mentoring: Chefs and professionals – FutureChef

Unsure? If you haven’t made your mind up but would like to participate, please have a read of some of our success stories from our FutureChef Alumni  Our Alumni – FutureChef