Springboard FutureChef Inspiring the Next Generation of Culinary Talent

FutureChef is open to secondary school students aged between 12 and 16, typically those in Years 9 to 11 in England and Wales, S3 to S5 in Scotland, and Years 10 to 12 in Northern Ireland. The competition is designed to introduce young people to the excitement of cooking, food creativity and professional kitchens. Students compete in a series of stages — from school heats through to local, regional and national finals — gaining valuable experience and confidence along the way.

Alongside the main FutureChef competition, Springboard also runs complementary initiatives to reach and inspire even more young people. These include FutureChef Juniors, aimed at younger pupils who are just beginning to explore cooking, and the FutureChef BakeOff, which focuses on developing baking and pastry skills. Springboard also hosts online culinary challenges and workshops throughout the year, as well as digital learning modules and live career sessions connecting students directly with chefs and hospitality professionals.

FutureChef has an impressive track record of discovering and nurturing future culinary stars. Many past participants have gone on to enjoy celebrated careers in hospitality. Notable alumni include Tom Hamblet, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023; April Lily Partridge, winner of the Roux Scholarship 2023; and Graeme Cheevers, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred Unalome in Glasgow. The 2025 champion, Carys Williams from Pontarddulais School in Swansea, is among the latest young talents to be inspired by the programme’s opportunities.

Each stage of FutureChef is judged by professionals from across the hospitality industry — including accomplished chefs, restaurateurs and previous competition winners. At the national final, the judging panel has featured some of the UK’s most respected culinary figures such as Adam Handling, Alain Roux, Brian Turner, Chantelle Nicholson and Cherish Finden. Their expertise ensures that students are assessed fairly and receive constructive feedback, as well as the chance to learn directly from some of the industry’s finest.

FutureChef plays a vital role in addressing the hospitality industry’s skills gap and in nurturing young people’s passion for food. It provides a bridge between education and employment, giving students a genuine taste of what it’s like to work in professional kitchens. Beyond technical ability, the competition builds essential life skills — such as confidence, teamwork, time management and creativity — while encouraging young people to see hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career path. For schools and the wider industry, FutureChef is helping to shape the chefs, restaurateurs and innovators of tomorrow.

Students who take part in FutureChef gain so much more than culinary skills. They develop discipline, confidence and creativity through hands-on cooking challenges. Working alongside experienced mentor chefs, they learn professional techniques, menu planning, presentation and flavour balancing. Many participants also discover a sense of pride and purpose, seeing a clear route into a fulfilling career in hospitality. The experience can be truly transformative — offering students new friendships, mentorship and opportunities that last well beyond the competition itself.

The FutureChef competition runs throughout the academic year and follows a four-stage structure. It begins in late summer when schools register and host their own heats, before winners progress to local and regional finals. The most talented young chefs from across the UK then go on to compete at the prestigious National Final, typically held in March. Each round challenges competitors to refine their skills, demonstrate creativity under pressure and showcase their passion for food to a panel of expert judges.

Teachers play a key role in bringing FutureChef to life in their schools. By registering to take part, educators receive access to a wealth of free teaching resources, including lesson plans, online modules and adaptable recipes. Schools can host their own heats, work with local mentor chefs and integrate the competition into their food technology or hospitality curriculum. Participating in FutureChef helps create a real buzz around food education — inspiring students, strengthening industry connections and raising awareness of exciting culinary careers.

Hospitality professionals can get involved in FutureChef by mentoring students, judging competitions at various stages, delivering demonstrations or hosting career sessions. Their involvement provides students with first-hand industry insight and helps raise the profile of hospitality as a dynamic and rewarding career choice. Volunteering through FutureChef is also a great way for chefs and businesses to give back to the community, support emerging talent and help ensure a bright, skilled future workforce for the industry.

It’s easy to get involved in FutureChef. Teachers, schools, students and industry professionals can all register to take part or support the competition. Registration for the next cycle is open now, and taking part is a fantastic way to be part of an inspiring national movement that’s helping shape the future of hospitality. Whether you’re teaching, mentoring or cooking — FutureChef is your opportunity to make a difference.