Kate Davies wins LACA School Chef of the Year 2015

21 May 2015 by Janie Manzoori-Stamford

Kate Davies has been named LACA School Chef of the Year 2015.

The Welsh finalist, who works at St Gwladys Primary School in Bargoed, was voted Britain's top school chef by a panel of judges at the national final held at the Food Services Wing, Defence Logistics School, Worthy Down, Hampshire, yesterday.

Her winning entry (pictured below

"I was so proud to have won the national title," she said. "With the skill amongst this year's finalists being so high, I felt it was an achievement in itself to compete with such a talented group of people.

"All of this just goes to prove what a good job that school chefs do, day in, day out, up and down the country to provide tasty, nutritious meals for millions of children."

The winner of the highly commended main course prize was Vicky Brammer from Crescent Academy, Stoke on Trent, while Sharon Cundell from St Edwards C of E Primary School, Plymouth was the winner of the highly commended dessert prize. The marketing certificate of merit went to Shereene Weston from St Mary Magdalene RC Primary School, Lewisham, South East London.

"The culinary and creative skill of this year's finalists was, once again, at an exceptionally high level which meant that the judges must have had a very difficult task," commented LACA national chair Carrieanne Bishop.

"Parents and the wider community should be reassured that our talented front line staff in schools not only prepare tasty, highly creative dishes to tempt the taste buds of discerning children and young people but also nutritious school meals that make a major contribution towards altering eating habits, improving diets and decreasing obesity levels.

"The finalists and all of the contestants that have taken part this year should serve as a real inspiration for the food and beverage service in every school nationwide."