Events

The national final will once again be held at The School Food Show on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with the overall winner announced on the evening of Wednesday 9th July.

Regional final winners will each receive a £100 cash prize. At the national final, the national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2026 School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.