Ben Finn named School Chef of the Year 2026

Ben Finn from St Leonards RC comprehensive school, part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, in Durham has won the 2026 School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) competition.

 

In the 2025 edition, Finn finished in second place, so his return in this year’s the School Food People’s contest saw him go one place further.

 

The final was held during school caterers’ association the School Food People’s Show & Forum at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 7-8 July.

 

Finn received the SCOTY trophy, £1,000 cash prize and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events.

 

Unox, whose ovens were used for the competition final, will take the 2026 SCOTY winner along with the School Food People representatives on a gastronomic trip to Italy as part of their prize.

 

Finn cooked Mexican style crispy belly pork slices with chickpea and sweetcorn fritters and spicy beans for his main course. For dessert, he produced a layered strawberry, mixed berry and custard cake with vanilla Angel Delight.

 

He said of his victory: “I am absolutely over the moon and I am buzzing. I couldn’t be happier to be fair. Last year there was really nice people and it was the same again this year. It was nice to be around other school chefs who are passionate about food.

 

“I came into the competition with the concept of ‘small changes make a big difference’. I wanted to slowly reduce the meat content and show you can get all the other flavours from food without having the big meat on top of it. I will certainly push for the winning dishes to be on the school menu.”

 

The competition aims to showcase the hard work of school chefs across the country who ensure children are fed nutritious meals.

 

The 12 finalists had 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.

 

This competition was judged by head judge Lousie Wagstaffe as well as former SCOTY winner Sharon Armstrong, Marcus Appleton from the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London, which supports the competition, and 2025 SCOTY winner Erin Ward.

 

Wagstaffe said: “Ben is a thoroughly deserving winner of the 2026 SCOTY competition. In the final, he demonstrated exceptional culinary skill, creativity and a genuine passion for producing nutritious, exciting food for children.

 

“His Mexican pork with chickpeas and sweetcorn fritter impressed the judges with its outstanding flavour, texture and balance, delivering a dish that was both vibrant and suited to a school menu. His 50/50 fruit dessert was equally memorable, combining freshness, colour and natural sweetness in a way that one judge described as ‘summer on a plate’.

 

“What really set Ben apart was his ability to create dishes that were not only technically accomplished and visually appealing, but also practical, nutritious and relevant for school catering. His passion, professionalism and understanding of what great food can achieve for young people made him a truly worthy SCOTY champion for 2026.”

 

The 12 finalists, who had either won their regional heat or invited as a wildcard, were judged on the use of Premier Food and Bisto products, working practices in the kitchen, creativity, appearance, taste and flavour.

 

In second place was South West regional winner Taher Jibet from Budmouth Academy (Impact Food Group) and in third place was wildcard Richard Hardy from St Robert of Newminster Catholic School (Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust). Second and third place received £500 and £300 respectively.

 

Last night (8 July) also saw the School Food People’s Awards for Excellence 2026 presented across 12 categories, celebrating individuals and teams who continue to make a ‘real difference’ to education catering and school food.

 

The winners were:

 

Catering Business of the Year Award: Bury Council – Catering Team

 

Primary School Catering Team of the Year Award: Harefield Primary Catering Team – City Catering, Southampton

 

Secondary School Catering Team of the Year Award: Polaris Multi-Academy Trust

 

The School Food People and Natasha Allergy Research Foundation Allergy Management Award: Nutrition Team – Pantry Catering

 

Unsung Hero Award: Wayne Clarke – Olive Dining

 

Apprentice/Trainee Award: Melanie Johnstone – Impact Food Group

 

Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award: Bidfood

 

Outstanding Supplier of the Year (SME) Award: SchoolGrid

 

Marketing Award: Marketing Team – The Pantry Catering

 

Nan Berger Memorial Award: Impact Food Group Team

 

Roger Davis Outstanding Achievement Award: Lin O’Brien

 

The School Food People Region of the Year Award: London and South East Region

 

The School Food People National Award (new for 2026): Brad Pearce

 

Chair’s Award: Anita Brown, Luke Consiglio and Kate Snow