Students across the UK will compete to be crowned Springboard FutureChef 2027, while gaining the skills, confidence and connections to kick-start a career in hospitality.
Springboard FutureChef, the UK’s largest school culinary competition, is back for the 2027 season, giving young people across the country the chance to step outside the classroom, experience a professional environment, meet chefs and get a taste of what a career in hospitality could look like.
Now entering its 28th year, Springboard FutureChef has helped inspire thousands of young people to take their first step into hospitality careers, with a long list of successful alumni including Poppy O’Toole, the self-entitled ‘Potato Queen’ of Instagram, Tom Hamblet, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and Young MasterChef finalist, Bobby Odu, owner of Bobby Bakes.
The competition takes place across four stages, beginning with school heats before progressing to local and regional finals, culminating in the National Final in London, where 12 finalists compete for the title of Springboard FutureChef. Throughout the competition, participants are mentored and judged by an all-star line-up of Springboard FutureChef Champions and supporters, with award-winning chef, author and restaurateur Chantelle Nicholson returning as Head Judge for 2027. Chantelle Nicholson says: “FutureChef is an extremely exciting initiative to get youngsters involved in thinking about food and cookery.”
Designed to inspire the next generation of chefs, Springboard FutureChef gives students from all backgrounds an early introduction to the hospitality industry. By stepping into professional kitchens and learning directly from people working in the industry, participants develop their culinary skills while building the confidence to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The experience also opens the door to opportunities beyond the competition, from mentoring and work experience to valuable industry connections that can help turn an interest in food into a future career.
Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard says “FutureChef is about much more than finding the next generation of talented chefs – it’s about giving young people the confidence, skills and industry connections to see hospitality as a career they can build a future in. We’re excited to welcome this year’s FutureChefs and see where their talent and passion takes them.”
Previous winners and finalists have gone on to build impressive culinary careers, including 2022 winner Phoebe Lawson, who is now working at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie’s at Gleneagles.
The opportunities FutureChef has given me have been life changing.
Phoebe Lawson says: “Winning FutureChef was so unexpected — just being in the final was a win. Months of practicing and hard work paid off. My mentors were so supportive throughout the experience and winning was the perfect way to say thank you to them. The opportunities FutureChef has given me have been life changing.”
Additionally, 2026 winner Kate Skinner has already worked with Raymond Blanc at Royal Ascot. Kate Skinner says: “I just really loved it! This has opened so many opportunities and experiences for me and I’m really excited for what’s to come next.”
Springboard FutureChef headline sponsors include Savoy Educational Trust, Worshipful Company of Cooks and Country Range. To see the full list of sponsors, visit futurechef.uk.net/sponsors/
For chefs and schools interested in signing up, visit https://futurechef.uk.net/register/
