Student Chef Competition 2025

We were honoured to host our 14th annual Student Chef Competition in April in the Catering Department of Swindon College.

The overall aim of the Competition is to motivate and encourage young chefs in their chosen career.  It provides them with the valuable experience of having to cook under time constraints and how to present their dishes.  The students create their own menus within the given terms and are judged by people other than the tutors.  

The 2025 Competition showcases the culinary talents of Level 3 students in their final year at the College, with 11 students competing to create a three-course meal featuring a plant-based starter.  For the students this Competition is a highlight of the year and they look forward to taking part.

The competition was judged by a panel of four esteemed judges: development chefs from the college's vegetable and fruit suppliers and Wadworth’s Brewery, plus our Club President, Steve Davison and our Treasurer, Chris Ockwell.

This year there was a special guest in attendance, none other than the renowned chef Marco Pierre White.  He tasted the food and interacted with the contestants but did not take part in the judging.

After a thorough judging process, the top three students were announced.   They were awarded some top quality chefs’ knives and sharpeners, prizes donated by us, for their exceptional culinary creations. 

The winners were:

•    1st Place: Godfrey De Andrade
•    2nd Place: Sara Williamson
•    3rd Place: Theo Bignold

Sian Vockins is a chef lecturer at New College Swindon where she plays a key role in inspiring and training the next generation of culinary professionals. She has been involved in various initiatives, such as organising cooking competitions and collaborating with local food businesses to provide students with hands-on industry experience. Her efforts help students develop their skills and prepare for careers in hospitality and catering.

Following our Competition she sent us this email.  "Just a big thank you for your continued support for our Rotary Competition.  The students really love the opportunity to compete and take it all very seriously.  We really appreciate your generosity and time spent with the delivery of this competition. Very many thanks."