Young chefs from specialist schools across the UK gathered in Oxfordshire for a MasterChef-style cooking competition designed to celebrate the talents of students with additional needs.
The Springboard SEND FutureChef Competition took place at the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon on March 11, bringing together pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from schools and colleges nationwide.
The competition, now in its third year, is supported by Sodexo and organised by Springboard UK, which works to tackle skills shortages in hospitality while promoting the industry as a rewarding career path.
Eight aspiring young chefs — likened to future versions of Jamie Oliver and Angela Hartnett — travelled from across the country, including Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire, to compete for the title.
Representing Oxfordshire was Leah from Bloxham Grove Academy, who impressed judges with a coconut chicken curry followed by chocolate cheesecake.
Teacher Natasha Smith said the event had been a valuable experience for the student.
“Competitions like this give students with SEND the chance to demonstrate their skills, grow in confidence and feel proud of their achievements,” she said.
“Cooking develops important life skills such as organisation, creativity and resilience, and we’re delighted to see our students benefiting from opportunities that celebrate their strengths and potential.”
During the challenge, each contestant was required to cook a chicken-based main course followed by a chocolate-based dessert, with dishes judged by a seven-person panel.
The judging panel was led by Mark Belford. He praised the competition for showcasing the abilities of young people with SEND.
“It’s a privilege to support the competition once again. Events like this are vital for our industry – they open doors, build confidence, and celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of young people with SEND.
“Their passion for food and determination to succeed is genuinely inspiring. At HIT Training, we’re committed to championing inclusivity and creating opportunities for all, and this competition perfectly reflects those values.”
The event was organised by Springboard Ambassador Michael Taylor, who highlighted the challenges the young chefs faced.
“There were restrictions on what to cook, a set budget, and they had to cook in a kitchen they hadn’t seen before, all in the hope they’d be crowned the overall winner,” he said.
The finalists included competitors from schools across the country:
- Leah – Bloxham Grove Academy, Bloxham
- Louis – Boveridge College, Dorset
- Christopher – Aurora Foxes, Minehead
- Elizabeth – Hanley School, Stoke-on-Trent
- Arthur – Hedgeway School, South Gloucestershire
- Ethan – Ivy Lane School, Wakefield
- Autumn – REAL Education, Mansfield
- Leah – Pebble Brook School, Aylesbury
The overall winner was Louis from Boveridge College in Dorset, who impressed judges with Somerset chicken with Hasselback potatoes, followed by chilli chocolate fondant and raspberry roulade.
The competition also highlighted the work of The Aurora Group, which supports specialist education and care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the UK.
