LACA logo

News

Full line-up of competitors unveiled for 2026 SCOTY national final

08 May 2026
The School Food People has revealed the names of the ten regional final winners as well as two wildcard entrants who will go onto compete in the final of the prestigious School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition, which is sponsored by Bisto from Premier Foods.

The final of the SCOTY competition will take place at the School Food Show & Forum on 7-8th July 2026. The twelve school chefs will have 90 minutes to prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.75 per head that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide.

With the competition focus on producing nutritious, delicious meals for 11-year-old primary or secondary school pupils, the SCOTY competition is the ‘perfect showcase’ for passionate school chefs to demonstrate what they do best every day.

Brad Pearce, chair of The School Food People, said: “It is an amazing experience for all those that take part, enabling our amazing staff to showcase their incredible talent and creativity. Participants are able to meet and network with school chefs from across the country at both the regional and national stage, and it’s the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their passion and professionalism.”

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

The ten regional final winners are:

  • Ghyslain Pramayon from Impact Food Group (East Midlands)
  • Jenna McGeagh from Hertfordshire Catering Limited (East of England)
  • Katherine Ruffalls from Nourish Catering (London)
  • Ben Finn from Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (North East & Scotland)
  • Colin Sealey from Totally Local Company (North West)
  • Andy Lidster from Impact Food Group (South East)
  • Taher Jibet from Impact Food Group (South West)
  • Duygu Dee Karakus from Big Fresh Catering Company (Wales)
  • Nicolas Poilblanc from Aspens Services Ltd (West Midlands)
  • Josiah Wuermli from NYES Catering - North Yorkshire Council (Yorkshire & Humberside)

Joining the ten regional finalist winners at the SCOTY national final will be two wildcards entrants, including:

  • Terri-Ann Vineall from Oundle School (East Midlands)
  • Richard Hardy from Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (North East & Scotland)

Visitors to the free-to-attend School Food Show will be able to watch the live final taking place. The winners being revealed at The School Food People Awards for Excellence dinner on the evening of Thursday 7th July. Find out more and book your place.