Young Chef

Youth Events & Competitions

The Rotary Young Chef Competition is a well-established and successful competition organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland.

It is a four-stage national competition, each designed to support and encourage the development of cookery skills. The Thurrock event is organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock, and it will take place at the South Essex College, Grays from 1pm onwards on Thursday 30th November 2023.

Aims

This competition aims to encourage young people to:

  • Learn how to cook a healthy meal

  • Develop food presentation skills

  • Consider food hygiene issues

  • Develop organisational and planning skills

  • Develop an ability to cope in a demanding situation

    Who can take part?

    This competition is open to all schools and college communities and those that are home educated, along with any other young people’s community organisations, for example, Scout Groups, Girl Guides, Sea & Air Cadets, etc.

    Students must be in full-time education between ages 11 and 17 on 31 August 2023. It should be noted that some entrants may be 16 at the time of some or all stages of the competition i.e. a competitor who is 16 on 31st August but turns 17 on 1st September is allowed to enter. The qualifying criteria of all entrants will be rigorously checked; any entrant who does not meet the above conditions will not be allowed to take part.

    Please note, this competition is intended for amateurs; for the purpose of the competition, an amateur is considered to be a person who is not in full, or regular part-time, employment in the catering trade. Eligible entrants who have been temporarily employed by restaurants during the school holidays may take part. The competition is not open to students who are enrolled on a full-time catering course who are studying for a qualification above “A” level (or equivalent) standard.

    Competitors, schools, colleges and organisations can participate in a Rotary district that is outside of their boundary but may compete in only one club/district event.

    Students should enter the competition organised by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock through their school, college or youth organisation. Entrants must complete the entry form in this pack.

    The Four Stages of the Competition

    Local Heat: This is organised by The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock. The winner of this local heat is entered into the district finals. The results of this local competition will be published on our website, www.graysthurrockrotary.org.uk as soon as possible after the closing date.

    District Finals: The winner and runner up from each district final will be entered into a regional final.
    Regional Finals: The winner of each regional final is entered into the national final.
    National Final: Will take place on Saturday 20th April 2024. Further details will be made available at a later date.