SEND FutureChef and New Bake-Off Competition Launch for 2027
Planning is underway for the 2027 SEND FutureChef competition, with organisers seeking early expressions of interest from schools and colleges supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Following continued growth in recent years, the programme is expanding to introduce a new SEND Bake-Off category. This additional route is designed to support younger students and those developing their practical skills, offering a stepping stone into the FutureChef competition.
Delivered in partnership with Springboard FutureChef, alongside industry partners including Sodexo, Hilton Hotels, and HIT Training, the competition aims to provide an inclusive platform for students of all abilities who have an interest in cooking.
Competition formats
SEND FutureChef
Students will take part in a school or college-level competition, preparing a main course and dessert within a set budget. Dishes will be judged by a professional chef, with winners progressing to regional finals and potentially a national final.
SEND Bake-Off (new for 2027)
Designed for students at an earlier stage in their development, participants will prepare a baked item such as a flan, quiche or tart within a defined brief. Entries will be judged locally, with successful students progressing to later stages of the competition.
Key dates (provisional)
Local competitions completed by 22 January 2027
Regional finals by 19 February 2027
National final scheduled for Wednesday 10 March 2027 (to be confirmed)
Organisers are encouraging participation from SEND schools, colleges, and mainstream settings with SEND provision. The aim is to maximise accessibility and recognise achievement across a broad range of abilities.
Expressions of interest are requested by Friday 12 June 2026, with full competition guidelines to be issued by the end of June to support planning for the next academic year.
For further information or to register interest, contact the BSH team at info@bucksskillshub.org.